UGC Bans Distance Psychology Degrees, 1.3 Lakh Students Affected from 2025-26

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has banned psychology degrees offered through distance and online learning modes, impacting nearly 1.3 lakh students across India. Beginning with the 2025-26 academic session, universities will no longer be able to admit students to such programmes, and even previously awarded degrees risk losing recognition.

The decision follows a regulatory transition after psychology and other allied sciences were brought under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), established through the 2021 Act. With this, the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB) withdrew permissions previously granted to universities to run psychology courses via Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

Widespread Disruption and Student Concerns

The move has caused widespread anxiety among students and institutions. Thousands already enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses now face uncertainty over the value of their qualifications. Graduates are also reporting difficulties in pursuing higher education due to the sudden regulatory shift.

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Experts have criticised the lack of a transition or grace period, a norm in such changes, leaving students vulnerable and institutions in limbo.

Why the UGC Took This Step

The UGC cited the NCAHP Act, under which psychology-related professions—such as psychologists, behavioural analysts, and mental health support workers—fall within the commission’s jurisdiction. In its 592nd meeting, the UGC decided that psychology, microbiology, nutrition science, and biotechnology would no longer be offered in ODL mode from July 2025.

However, academics argue that academic psychology curricula differ from healthcare training, making the blanket ban questionable. Dr. U.S. Pandey, former principal of DU’s School of Open Learning, pointed out that distance psychology courses mirror regular ones, asking why they should be treated differently.

Growing Demand, Sudden Halt

Psychology in ODL mode had seen rapid expansion in recent years. Data from the DEB shows the number of universities offering distance psychology programmes rose from 17 in 2020-21 to 57 in 2024-25. This included:

• 36 state universities

• 11 state open universities

• 5 private institutions

• 3 deemed-to-be universities

• 2 central universities – Delhi University and Mizoram University

Telangana (20) and Tamil Nadu (8) lead in the number of institutions offering such courses, with Osmania University among the major providers.

NEP Goals in Question

Critics argue the ban contradicts the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises flexibility, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Instead, the UGC’s move creates barriers, reducing access for working professionals and students unable to pursue regular classroom courses.

The UGC has reportedly sought an exemption from the Ministry of Education to allow certain programmes like BSc Psychology (Hons) in distance mode, but no final decision has been announced.

What Lies Ahead

With pressure mounting from students, educators, and universities, the Ministry of Education may be forced to reconsider or modify the order. Until then, over a lakh psychology students remain uncertain about their academic progression and career prospects.