UGC Approves 101 Universities for ODL and Online Courses 2025-26

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an updated list of higher educational institutions (HEIs) authorised to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes for the academic year 2025-26.

According to the announcement, 101 universities and 20 Category-1 institutions have been approved to conduct ODL programmes starting from the July–August session. Additionally, 113 universities will provide online courses, and 13 institutions are permitted to offer Online Learning (OL) programmes.

Eligibility and Approvals

Central, state, and private universities can conduct these ODL and online programmes without seeking prior approval. However, deemed universities must obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) before offering online or distance courses in management, computer applications, and travel & tourism at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels.

Key Deadlines and Admission Rules

• The last date for student admissions and for uploading admission data is October 15, 2025.

• All participating institutions must submit an affidavit confirming the accuracy of their submitted information and take full responsibility for any discrepancies under UGC regulations.

Guidelines for ODL and Online Programmes

For ODL courses, universities must:

• Adhere to UGC’s policy on Territorial Jurisdiction.

• Maintain approved Learner Support Centres (LSCs).

• Comply with UGC rules on entry qualifications, admission procedures, course duration, and credit allocation.

UGC has also reiterated that online programmes cannot be conducted through franchise arrangements. Institutions must have full ownership of the courses they offer.

OL and Category-1 Institution Rules

Category-1 institutions are permitted to offer ODL programmes only as long as they maintain their Category-1 status. If their status changes, they must discontinue such programmes immediately and inform the UGC. Students already enrolled will be allowed to complete their courses as per existing norms.

Enforcement and Institutional Responsibility

The UGC has stressed that all institutions must operate independently and take full accountability for compliance with UGC rules. Any false or misleading data submission may lead to regulatory action.

Universities must ensure that their programme structures align with the UGC’s regulatory framework to maintain academic quality and credibility.

Access the Full List

The complete list of approved universities and institutions offering ODL and online programmes for 2025-26 is available on the official UGC portal. Students and stakeholders are advised to review the list before applying for any distance or online course.