The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 higher educational institutions (HEIs) across India to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic session 2024–25. The list includes several central, state, deemed, and private universities that can now offer UGC-recognised distance education courses. The approval allows these institutions to reach a wider number of learners who cannot attend traditional on-campus programmes.

I am writing about this update because it highlights a major step towards expanding access to quality higher education in India. With the demand for flexible learning growing rapidly—especially among working professionals and students from remote regions—the UGC’s approval supports inclusivity and affordability in higher education. The move also ensures that distance programmes maintain academic standards, giving students confidence that their qualifications are recognised and valid for employment or further studies. This initiative represents an important stride in India’s ongoing transition toward technology-enabled, learner-centred education.

UGC Announces List of Approved Institutions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the official list of 101 universities and colleges authorised to conduct ODL courses for the current academic year. These approvals are granted under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which ensure that institutions maintain quality benchmarks similar to those followed in regular mode programmes.

The UGC also made the complete list of approved institutions available on its official website, www.ugc.ac.in/deb, for public access. Students have been advised to verify an institution’s approval status before taking admission in any distance learning programme.

What Are ODL Programmes?

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes allow students to pursue higher education without attending classes in person. Courses are delivered through printed materials, digital platforms, and online interactions, offering flexibility in learning schedules.

These programmes are particularly beneficial for:

• Working professionals looking to upgrade their skills
• Students from rural or remote areas without easy access to universities
• Homemakers and adult learners resuming studies
• Learners seeking cost-effective higher education opportunities

The UGC’s recognition ensures that degrees obtained through approved ODL programmes are equivalent to regular degrees for both employment and higher education purposes.

Key Institutions Approved for ODL Courses

Among the 101 institutions approved by the UGC, some of the major names include:

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
• Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
• University of Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
• Symbiosis International University, Pune
• Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
• Sikkim Manipal University, Sikkim
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Telangana
• Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal
• Uttaranchal University, Dehradun

These universities have been permitted to offer ODL courses in a variety of disciplines including arts, science, commerce, management, computer applications, and social work.

Students Advised to Check Accreditation and Validity

Before enrolling in any ODL course, students are strongly advised to:

• Visit the official UGC-DEB website (deb.ugc.ac.in) to check the latest list of approved HEIs.
• Ensure that the specific course and duration have been granted approval by the UGC.
• Avoid enrolling in institutions or courses that do not appear on the approved list, as such degrees may not be recognised for government or private sector jobs.

According to UGC officials, institutions that fail to comply with quality norms or misrepresent their approvals may face penalties, including cancellation of ODL recognition.

UGC’s Focus on Quality and Digital Expansion

The UGC has been actively promoting distance and online education to democratise access to higher learning. At the same time, it has introduced strict guidelines to maintain academic integrity and student support in distance mode.

To ensure transparency, institutions offering ODL courses must:

• Upload course details, faculty information, and learning resources on their websites.
• Conduct student feedback surveys and maintain regular interaction with learners.
• Submit annual self-assessment reports to the UGC for review.

The Commission has also integrated the National Academic Depository (NAD) system to help students access and verify their digital degree certificates securely.