The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an important public notice to guide students and stakeholders regarding precautions to be taken before enrolling in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online Learning (OL)programmes. The notice emphasizes the importance of verifying the recognition status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and their compliance with UGC’s guidelines, as outlined in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and subsequent amendments.
Key Guidelines for Students
1. Verify the Recognition Status of HEIs
- Recognition Status: Ensure that the HEI offering the ODL or OL programme is recognized by the UGC for the academic session in question. The status is available on the UGC-DEB portal: deb.ugc.ac.in.
- Entitlement of HEIs: A list of HEIs entitled to offer specific ODL or OL programmes is also available on the UGC-DEB portal.
- Notifications: Review the latest notifications on recognized programmes and institutions on the UGC website before applying.
2. Verify HEI Details on Their Website
Recognized HEIs must publish the following details on their official website:
- Applications submitted to the UGC.
- Affidavits, statutory body approvals, and regulatory authority clearances.
- Additional program-specific information.
3. Be Cautious of Prohibited Programmes
The UGC has prohibited the following programmes from being offered through ODL and OL modes:
- Engineering, Medical, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Agriculture, Architecture, and other professional courses.
- Yoga and Tourism & Hospitality Management (at UG and PG levels).
- M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes in any discipline.
4. Territorial Jurisdiction for ODL Programmes
Students must ensure that all activities, including admissions, counselling sessions, and examinations, are conducted within the territorial jurisdiction specified for the HEI:
- Central Universities: As per their respective Act.
- State and Private Universities: Limited to their state of establishment.
- Deemed Universities: Within their headquarters or approved campuses.
5. Prohibition of Franchising Arrangements
HEIs are strictly prohibited from franchising their ODL or OL programmes to private service providers.
- Admissions and course delivery must be managed solely by the HEI headquarters or recognized off-campus centres.
- Learner Support Centres (LSCs) must be directly managed by the HEI.
Students’ Rights and Mobility
- Mobility Between Modes: Students enrolled in ODL or OL programmes may switch between these modes within the same HEI, subject to the institution’s policies.
- Recognition of Admissions: Students enrolled during an HEI’s recognition period will retain the validity of their admission, even if the institution’s recognition lapses in subsequent years.
Institutions Under 'No Admission' Category
The following HEIs have been debarred from offering ODL or OL programmes
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Maharashtra
- Sri Venkateshwara University, Andhra Pradesh
- Periyar University, Tamil Nadu
Equivalence of ODL/OL Qualifications
Degrees and diplomas obtained through UGC-recognized ODL or OL programmes are considered equivalent to those obtained through conventional education, provided they adhere to the UGC Specification of Degrees
Key Takeaways for Students
- Verify Before Enrolling: Always check the recognition status of the HEI and its programmes on the UGC-DEB portal.
- Avoid Prohibited Programmes: Do not enroll in courses that are explicitly banned by the UGC.
- Report Violations: If you encounter any unauthorized or misleading programmes, report them to the UGC immediately.
Improved Relationships
The UGC is committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of higher education in India. By following these precautions and relying on verified sources, students can safeguard their academic future and ensure a credible education experience.
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