The trend of online education in India has increased rapidly in the last decade. In such a situation, UGC has warned those students who want to do courses through online or distance learning.

The Covid pandemic changed the education system across the world. When schools and colleges were closed in India during the Corona period, it became difficult for students to get an education. The online study became the only way for students to continue higher education.

Thousands of students adopted online education instead of wasting one or two years of their time. As a result, it was seen that many types of programs started being conducted online. But now some of these courses have been banned.

UGC warning!

UGC has advised students to exercise caution before enrolling in distance learning (ODL) and online learning (OL) courses. Some guidelines have also been issued. To enroll in distance learning and online learning courses, the first and most important thing is to check the affiliation of the Higher Educational Institute (HEI) from which you want to do the course.

There are two ways to check recognition: Is the institution recognized by the Government of India? Is the institute allowed to conduct distance learning and online learning courses? Keep in mind that not all recognized institutions offer online courses.

You can visit the UGC website (ugc.gov.in) to check whether your chosen college or university is recognized and allowed to offer distance learning and online learning.

Check by visiting the website of the college.

Before enrolling in distance learning and online learning courses, students should carefully read all the information on the website of the university to which they want to take admission. UGC says that all recognized colleges and universities must upload some important documents on their website. Like- application given to UGC, affidavit, government approval, regulatory approval etc. Student

The government has not permitted some institutions to conduct distance learning and online learning courses. Such institutions have been kept in the category of 'no admission' institutions.

For which courses, degrees in online and distance learning mode are not recognized.

UGC has not recognized some degrees in online or distance learning mode. Degree obtained in online or distance learning mode in 18 subjects including engineering and medical will not be valid. Apart from this, PhD studies also cannot be done in online or distance education mode. There is also a ban on online studies of Yoga, Tourism and Hospitality Management programs at graduation and post-graduation.

Engineering, Medical, Law, Para Medical, Dental, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Other Para Medical Disciplines, Architecture, Horticulture, Catering, Aviation, Visual Art and Sports, Aircraft Maintenance, Catering Technology, Hotel Management, Culinary, Physics Medical studies cannot be done through online and distance learning mode.

Let us tell you that the last date for admission in all the institutions offering distance learning and online learning courses for all the academic sessions starting from February 2024 is 31st March.

Ban on degree programs of these universities:

UGC has banned Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online degree programs of some universities for violating the rules. This ban will be applicable for the academic session 2024-25.

  • Maharashtra: NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies (Open and Distance Learning Programme)
  • Andhra Pradesh: Sri Vaikanteshwara University (Open and Distance Learning Programme)
  • Tamil Nadu: Periyar University (Open and Distance Learning Programme)

These universities have violated the rules for ODL and online degree programs prescribed by the UGC. Students enrolled in ODL and online degree programs in these universities will no longer be able to study further in the program.

Recognition will be cancelled if wrong information is given.

UGC has given strict instructions to all Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). Information about all degree programs will have to be uploaded on their website. This should include all the courses available in regular, online and open and distance (ODL) modes. The university will also have to send this information to UGC.

If any university violates these rules, strict action will be taken against it. They can be fined. Recognition may be cancelled. The course may be banned.

What is UGC, and how much is its importance?

UGC means University Grants Commission. It is a part of the government which was created in 1956. After India's independence, the University Grants Commission (UGC) was established to organize higher education. It started with an Act of Parliament on 28 December 1953.

The main objective of UGC was to promote and coordinate higher education throughout India. UGC was created as an autonomous body to look after the work of reforming and raising the standards in higher education institutions across the country.

Initially, UGC was only a body to give money to universities. But now it has become a multidimensional institution whose job is to decide the quality and direction of higher education in India. Although some challenges are faced, UGC plays an important role in ensuring that good education is available to all, research is promoted and standards of education remain good in India.