Universities must apply for DEB approval by April 3 to offer ODL and online programs
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has opened the portal for higher education institutions and universities seeking recognition to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online degree programs for the 2025–26 academic session.
Institutions that haven’t yet received approval from the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) must submit their applications by April 3, 2025.
As per the official notice from UGC, the approval is mandatory for universities and institutions wishing to admit students into distance and online courses. Without this recognition, they will not be permitted to offer admissions for the upcoming academic session.
The portal remains open for institutions seeking approval to run ODL and online education programs. However, the UGC has clarified that proposals not meeting the required academic and infrastructural standards will be rejected outright during evaluation.
Why Is This Important?
Students across India are increasingly turning to online and distance education for flexibility and affordability. However, only institutions recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) can offer valid degrees. Students who enroll in unapproved programs risk invalidation of their degrees, affecting future employment and academic progression.
UGC emphasized that students should only enroll in programs listed on the official UGC-DEB portal, which ensures that these programs meet national education quality standards. It also added that institutions offering unrecognized ODL or online courses will face strict disciplinary actions.
What Should Universities Do?
Institutions that wish to begin or continue offering distance and online courses must:
- Submit their applications on the DEB portal by April 3, 2025
- Send a hard copy of their application by April 15, 2025 to the UGC
- Comply with the latest academic and administrative standards
- Ensure all proposals are complete and as per UGC norms
The UGC has made it clear that no institution will be allowed to admit students for ODL/online courses without prior approval for the 2025–26 academic year.
UGC Warning to Students
The UGC has urged students to be vigilant before enrolling. Only degrees from approved universities and institutions will be considered valid. It advised students to verify the list of recognized institutions and programs on the official UGC-DEB website to avoid future academic or legal issues.
This initiative aims to streamline quality assurance in distance and online education and uphold standards set by the National Education Policy (NEP). Universities, especially those in states like Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu, have been reminded to act promptly and transparently in their application process.
The UGC reaffirmed that it remains committed to ensuring all students receive recognized, relevant, and reputable education, whether through traditional classrooms or digital platforms.
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