The University Grants Commission (UGC), in a notification released by the Secretary, Prof. Manish R. Joshi, has provided clear guidelines to help students make informed decisions before enrolling in any ODL or OL programs. In today’s fast-evolving educational landscape, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programs have gained significant popularity. These platforms offer flexibility, accessibility, and the opportunity to pursue higher education at one’s own pace. However, students must exercise caution and ensure that the institution and courses they choose are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The UGC has established regulations for ODL and OL programs to ensure the quality and integrity of higher education. These regulations, known as the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, were first notified on September 4, 2020, in the Gazette of India. Since then, amendments have been made on July 1, 2021, July 18, 2022, and May 2, 2024, to strengthen these regulations and adapt to the changing educational environment.
These regulations define the minimum standards for instruction for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, as well as for post-graduate diploma programs with a duration of two years, offered through ODL and OL modes.
UGC Updates:
Before enrolling in any Open & Distance Learning (ODL) or Online Learning (OL) programmes, check the UGC recognition status of your institution and the course as well as the year of approval. Also ensure mandatory DEB-ID registration.
Read the UGC Letter:… pic.twitter.com/kfW28Aa4kZ
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) November 13, 2024
Before enrolling in any ODL or OL programs, students are advised to verify the recognition status of both the institution and the course, along with the year of approval. It’s also crucial to ensure that they complete the mandatory DEB-ID registration, which is an essential safeguard for their academic future. The following sections outline these precautions and provide details to ensure students avoid falling into potential academic pitfalls.
1. Verification of Recognition Status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)
One of the most important steps students should take is to verify the recognition status of the institution offering the ODL or OL program. The UGC offers a comprehensive list of recognised institutions on its Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website, allowing students to verify the status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) by academic session and year.
Moreover, it is essential to verify the entitlement status of these institutions, ensuring that the programs offered in ODL or OL modes are legitimate. This information is readily available on the UGC’s website, which also contains important notifications that students should review before making any decisions regarding admission.
The UGC has set a strict last date for admissions for the academic session starting in October 2024. Students must complete their admissions by November 15, 2024, for all recognised institutions offering ODL and OL programs.
2. Mandatory DEB-ID Creation for Enrolment
As part of its effort to streamline the admission process and safeguard the academic future of students, the UGC has introduced a mandatory DEB-ID registration. This DEB-ID, linked with the student’s Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID, will serve as a unique identifier for students enrolling in ODL or OL programs. The DEB-ID is essential for enrollment in recognised and entitled HEIs and will remain valid throughout the student’s academic journey.
Students should refer to the public notice dated August 19, 2024, for detailed instructions on the procedure for obtaining the DEB-ID. This step is crucial for students enrolling from the academic session beginning October 2024 onwards.
3. Information on HEI Websites
In addition to verifying the institution’s recognition status, students must thoroughly check the details available on the HEI’s website. Institutions offering ODL and OL programs are required to upload vital information such as applications submitted to the UGC, affidavits, statutory body approvals, and additional regulatory authority approvals. This transparency ensures that students have access to all necessary information before making their enrollment decision.
4. HEIs Under ‘No Admission’ or Debarred Category
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has debarred several institutions from offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programs for the academic year 2024-25 and beyond. As part of its efforts to maintain the quality of education and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, the UGC has placed specific universities under the ‘no admission’ category.
Periyar University in Tamil Nadu has been banned from offering online programs for five academic sessions, starting from July-August 2024. Similarly, NALSAR University in Telangana has been prohibited from offering online programs for two academic years, beginning in July-August 2024. Additionally, Suresh GyanVihar University in Rajasthan has been restricted from offering ODL programs for the academic year 2024-25, with the ban taking effect from October 2024.
Students are advised to avoid these institutions when considering their enrollment options and to regularly check the UGC-DEB website for updates. The website provides information on other higher educational institutions (HEIs) that may be debarred in the future. Ensuring the institution’s compliance with UGC regulations is crucial to safeguarding one’s academic career.
5. Equivalence of ODL and OL Qualifications
Degrees obtained through ODL and OL modes are considered equivalent to those earned through conventional learning, as long as they meet the UGC’s Specification of Degrees, 2014. Post-graduate diplomas awarded through ODL or OL modes are also recognised as equivalent to conventional diplomas. This recognition ensures that students pursuing ODL or OL programs receive qualifications that are accepted in the job market and further academic pursuits.
6. Prohibited Programs Under ODL and OL Modes
Not all programs are eligible to be offered through ODL or OL modes. The UGC has listed specific disciplines that are prohibited under these learning modes, including:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Dental
- Architecture
- Law
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Hotel Management
- Catering Technology
- Culinary Sciences
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Visual Arts and Sports
- Aviation
Additionally, Yoga and Tourism & Hospitality Management programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels are not permitted in the online mode. Furthermore, M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs across all fields are strictly prohibited from being conducted through ODL or online learning modes.
7. Territorial Jurisdiction of ODL Programs
Students should also be aware of the territorial jurisdiction of ODL programs, which defines the geographical area within which an institution can offer its ODL programs. This jurisdiction is determined based on the type of university:
- Central Universities – Limited to the area defined in the institution’s Act.
- State Universities – Restricted to the state of their location.
- Private Universities – Allowed to offer programs only through their headquarters and recognized off-campus centers.
Deemed-to-be Universities – Limited to their headquarters or approved off-campus centers.
The UGC strictly prohibits institutions from offering programs beyond their territorial jurisdiction, and students should ensure that all activities, including admissions, counseling sessions, and examinations, are conducted within the institution’s designated area.
8. Franchising Arrangements Not Permitted
No university, whether Central, State, Private, or Deemed-to-be, is allowed to offer its programs through a franchising arrangement. Institutions must conduct the entire admission process directly through their headquarters and manage their Learner Support Centers (LSCs) independently, without involving any third-party franchisees. This policy ensures that the quality of education is maintained and that students are not misled by unauthorized entities.
9. Equivalence of Qualifications Earned via Conventional, ODL, or Online Modes
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as postgraduate diplomas earned through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online modes, are considered equivalent to those obtained through traditional learning methods. As long as these qualifications adhere to the UGC’s 2014 Specification of Degrees notification and are awarded by recognized institutions, they hold the same value as corresponding degrees and diplomas obtained through conventional education programs.
10. Learner-Centered Provisions
The UGC’s regulations are designed to prioritise the mobility and flexibility of learners. Students enrolled in ODL or OL programs may be eligible to transfer between different modes of learning, provided they meet the institution’s criteria and obtain the necessary approvals from statutory authorities. Additionally, students who enroll during the institution’s recognition period will continue to be recognized even if the institution loses its recognition in subsequent years, as long as all activities are conducted in compliance with UGC regulations.
In conclusion, ODL and OL programs offer tremendous opportunities for students seeking flexible learning options. However, students must take proactive steps to ensure that the institution and programs they choose are recognized, legitimate, and meet the required standards. By following the UGC’s guidelines and verifying the recognition status of HEIs, students can safeguard their academic future and avoid potential pitfalls. Always remember, thorough research before enrollment is the key to a successful and rewarding educational experience.
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