In New Delhi, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has formally approved 101 universities and 20 Category-1 institutions to provide Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025-26, with classes set to commence in July-August 2025. Additionally, 113 universities have been authorized to deliver online courses, while 13 institutions will provide specialized online learning (OL) programmes. This decision follows the UGC’s call for applications from eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, alongside all subsequent amendments. Institutions that satisfied the regulatory and quality standards have received recognition to offer their ODL and online courses for the forthcoming academic session.
According to the 578th Commission’s resolution, Central, State, and Private Universities are not required to obtain prior approval or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AICTE to provide undergraduate, postgraduate, or postgraduate diploma programmes in Management, Computer Applications, and Travel & Tourism through ODL or online formats. However, Deemed-to-be Universities must continue to seek prior approval, recommendation, or NOC from AICTE before launching such programmes.