UGC Approves 101 Universities to Offer ODL and Online Programmes for 2025–26: Complete List, Admission Deadline, and Key Guidelines

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UGC-LOGO

Introduction

In a landmark step toward expanding digital and distance education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025–26.
Additionally, 113 universities have been authorised to conduct fully online courses, and 13 institutions have received permission to introduce specialised online learning (OL) programmes.

This move comes as part of UGC’s ongoing effort to promote flexible, accessible, and inclusive education through its ODL and Online Programme Regulations, 2020, allowing students from all walks of life to pursue recognised degrees and diplomas via remote modes.

For students seeking affordable and flexible education options, this announcement opens a wide range of opportunities to pursue UGC-recognised courses from reputable institutions across India.

Why the UGC’s ODL and Online Approval Matters

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated India’s shift towards online education. However, many institutions struggled with unregulated programmes and lack of standardisation.
The UGC’s approval process ensures that only those universities meeting quality, academic, and regulatory benchmarks can offer programmes via ODL or online mode.

For students, this approval means:

Authentic and recognised degrees equivalent to regular classroom education.
Flexibility to balance work, family, or competitive exam preparation while studying.
Affordable access to quality higher education without relocation or hostel costs.
Opportunity to learn from top national universities through digital learning platforms.

The new approvals for 2025–26 are a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a digitally inclusive education system.

Admission Deadline for 2025–26

The UGC has announced October 15, 2025, as the last date for student admissions into recognised ODL and online programmes for the current academic year.

Students are advised to:

Verify the recognition of their chosen university through the UGC-DEB official portal.
Check whether their desired course is approved for ODL or online delivery.
Complete all registration and document verification processes before the deadline.

Background: UGC Regulations on ODL and Online Programmes

The announcement follows the UGC’s call for applications under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, and its amendments.
These regulations define minimum standards for the design, delivery, and assessment of distance and online courses.

Only those Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) that fulfill the infrastructure, faculty, and accreditation requirements have been granted approval. The goal is to maintain parity between online and conventional degrees, ensuring academic credibility.

Major Universities Approved for 2025–26

The UGC has released a comprehensive list of institutions approved for offering ODL and online courses. Below are some notable names from across India:

Central and Prominent Universities

University of Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Andhra Pradesh
University of Mumbai, Maharashtra
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Telangana
University of Kashmir & University of Jammu, J&K
Pondicherry University
Nalanda Open University, Bihar

State Open and Distance Learning Universities

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Telangana
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad
Karnataka State Open University
Netaji Subhas Open University, West Bengal
Tamil Nadu Open University
Odisha State Open University
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Assam

Private and Deemed-to-be Universities

Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
Lovely Professional University, Punjab
Chandigarh University
Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
MIT Art, Design & Technology University, Pune
Vivekananda Global University, Rajasthan
Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

(The complete university-wise list is available on the UGC-DEB website.)

UGC’s Relaxation on AICTE Approval Norms

One of the major highlights of the 2025–26 approval cycle is the UGC’s relaxation of AICTE approval requirements.
In its 578th Commission meeting, UGC decided that Central, State, and Private Universities no longer need prior approval or NOC from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for offering the following programmes via ODL or online mode:

Management (MBA, BBA, etc.)
Computer Applications (BCA, MCA)
Travel and Tourism

This decision aims to simplify the approval process, reduce regulatory delays, and encourage more institutions to adopt online modes of delivery.

However, Deemed-to-be Universities must still obtain AICTE’s prior recommendation or NOC before offering such programmes.

Programmes Requiring Other Regulatory Approvals

While the AICTE condition has been relaxed, certain programmes governed by other professional bodies — such as:

National Medical Commission (NMC)
Bar Council of India (BCI)
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)

— will only receive UGC recognition if they have been approved by these respective regulatory authorities.
This ensures discipline-specific quality assurance and compliance with professional education norms.

Academic and Operational Standards for HEIs

All Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering ODL and online courses must strictly comply with UGC’s academic and administrative guidelines.
Key requirements include:

Entry and Admission Standards

Institutions must specify eligibility criteria, entry-level qualifications, and admission processes clearly.
Admissions must be merit-based and transparent.

Programme Duration and Credits

Programmes must follow the minimum and maximum duration prescribed by UGC.
Courses must meet the credit requirements as per the Specification of Degrees, 2014.

Learner Support Centres (LSCs)

HEIs offering ODL programmes are required to establish Learner Support Centres (LSCs) as per Annexures 3 and 7 of the 2020 Regulations.
These centres provide students with academic counselling, practical support, and examination guidance, ensuring that distance learners receive consistent help.

Territorial Jurisdiction

Universities can only offer ODL programmes within their approved territorial jurisdiction to maintain accountability and control over operations.

Data Transparency

Institutions must upload admission data and course information on the DEB Web Portal using reverse API integration for monitoring and verification.
This ensures transparency, accountability, and student protection against fraudulent institutions.

How Students Can Verify UGC-Approved Universities

Before enrolling in any distance or online programme, students should take the following steps:

Visit the UGC-DEB Official Website: Check the latest list of universities approved for ODL and online programmes.
Search for Your Course: Ensure the specific programme (e.g., MBA, BCA, BA English) is listed under the approved offerings.
Check Validity Period: Verify that the approval is valid for the academic year 2025–26.
Avoid Unrecognised Institutions: Degrees from unapproved institutions may not be valid for government jobs or higher studies.
Keep a Copy of the Approval Notice: This document can serve as proof of authenticity during employment or further education.

By following these steps, students can protect themselves from fraudulent or unrecognised online degree providers.

Impact on India’s Higher Education Landscape

The approval of over 100 universities for online and distance education will likely reshape the future of Indian higher education in several ways:

Increased Accessibility: Students in remote and underserved areas can now pursue higher education from reputed institutions without relocation.
Skill-Based Learning: Online platforms allow integration of industry-oriented, modular, and short-term courses, aligning with employability needs.
Encouragement of Lifelong Learning: Working professionals can upgrade their qualifications without taking a career break.
Boost to Digital Infrastructure: Universities are investing in Learning Management Systems (LMS), digital content, and e-assessments, enhancing the quality of online delivery.
Global Reach: UGC-approved online programmes can attract international learners, promoting India as a hub of digital education.

Challenges Ahead

While this development is promising, it also brings challenges such as:

Ensuring consistent quality across institutions.
Addressing digital divide issues in rural regions.
Preventing misinformation by unapproved entities claiming fake UGC recognition.
Regular monitoring of student outcomes and course credibility.

To maintain long-term trust, the UGC and DEB will need to ensure continuous quality checks, strong grievance redressal mechanisms, and transparent data reporting.

Confidant Classes’ Take

At Confidant Classes, we believe that the expansion of ODL and online learning is a step toward democratizing education in India.
For students preparing for competitive exams, professional courses, or higher studies, UGC-approved online programmes provide academic flexibility and career advantage.

However, learners must verify institutional recognition before enrolling to ensure their degrees remain valid and respected in both public and private sectors.

Conclusion

The UGC’s 2025–26 approval for ODL and online courses across 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions marks a transformative moment in India’s education system.
By integrating technology, accessibility, and regulatory oversight, India is steadily building a future-ready learning ecosystem.

Students who wish to pursue distance or online education should explore these opportunities, choose recognised institutions, and complete their admissions by October 15, 2025.

UGC Prohibits More Professional Courses in Online; Distance Mode: Here’s What You Need to Know

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Hemesh Choudhary

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