In a major boost to digital and flexible learning 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, commencing in July-August 2025. Additionally, the UGC has authorised 113 universities to conduct online courses, and 13 institutions to launch specialised online learning (OL) programmes. The last date for admissions into these recognised ODL and online courses is October 15, 2025.
UGC Expands Access to Online and Distance Learning
This decision aligns with the UGC’s vision to expand access to quality higher education through technology-driven platforms. The move is guided by the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, and its amendments, which set benchmarks for academic quality and institutional accountability.
Eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) that met the regulatory standards and quality parameters have been granted permission to offer UGC-recognised ODL and online programmes for the 2025-26 session.
List of Approved Universities
Some of the prominent universities approved to offer ODL programmes include:
- Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
- Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati
- Yogi Vemana University, Andhra Pradesh
- University of Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Gujarat
- Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana
- University of Kashmir and University of Jammu
- Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru
- University of Mumbai, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, and Shivaji University, Maharashtra
- Annamalai University, University of Madras, Anna University, and Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Telangana
- Amity University, Integral University, and Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Uttar Pradesh
- Netaji Subhas Open University and University of Burdwan, West Bengal
These universities are recognised for their strong academic frameworks and technological infrastructure to support virtual learning environments.
UGC Relaxes AICTE Approval Norms for Universities
In its 578th Commission meeting, the UGC decided to exempt central, state, and private universities from obtaining prior approval or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to offer programmes such as Management, Computer Applications, and Travel and Tourism under ODL or online mode.
However, Deemed-to-be Universities must still obtain AICTE approval before launching such programmes. Courses regulated by other statutory bodies will be recognised only after the UGC receives recommendations or approvals from those authorities.
Academic and Operational Standards for HEIs
To maintain academic integrity and quality, all approved HEIs must comply with the UGC’s ODL and Online Learning Regulations (2020). These standards specify:
- Eligibility criteria for learners and modes of admission
- Minimum and maximum duration of courses
- Academic credit requirements under the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees (2014)
- Establishment of Learner Support Centres (LSCs) to provide regional academic assistance
- Compliance with territorial jurisdiction norms and transparent admission reporting through the DEB Web Portal using reverse API integration
These measures aim to enhance accountability, promote equitable access, and ensure a uniform learning experience across all institutions.
UGC’s Push for Digital Learning and Quality Education
Through this initiative, the UGC reinforces its commitment to promote accessible, affordable, and flexible education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The expansion of ODL and online programmes will empower millions of learners across India, enabling them to pursue higher education and professional qualifications without geographical or time constraints.
With over 100 universities and 20 top institutions now approved for ODL and online programmes for 2025-26, the UGC has taken a significant step toward a digitally inclusive higher education ecosystem. Students aspiring for distance or online education can apply before October 15, 2025, through the respective university websites, for more details CLICK HERE
