The new education policy gives equal importance to both formal and distance education programmes. However, since the implementation of new rules, there has been a surge in institutions offering degrees and diplomas through distance education. This has also led to an increase in the number of fraudulent institutions offering online courses to students. To deal with this, UGC has released a list of authorized universities permitted to offer distance and online courses. This list is available on the UGC’s official website.

80 universities

University Grants Commission (UGC) has published a list containing the names of 80 universities that offer programmes through online and distance modes. These institutions are authorized to confer degrees to students. 

Last date to enrol

The deadline for admissions to Open and Distance Learning programmes (ODL) and online programmes for the February 2024 academic session is 31 March 2024. The universities and institutions have until 15 April 2024 to upload student admission details on the UGC-DEB web portal.

UGC Regulations

UGC prepared the list of higher educational institutions providing distance and online learning programmes based on applications received under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations 2020 and further amendments. 

UGC emphasizes that universities offering these programmes and courses must comply with the conditions specified by the regulatory authorities. 

UGC website

If you are interested in enrolling in these programmes, then visit the UGC website to access the list of recognized universities. You can also peruse through the courses available at these institutions. Applicants can also view the state-wise list of universities and available courses. The last date of applications is 31 March 2024.