UGC bans BTech degrees through distance education mode

UGC bans BTech degrees through distance education mode

A policy initiative recently approved by the Human Resource Development(HRD) ministry which aimed to recognize technical education through open and distance learning (ODL) has been reversed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) by re-imposing a ban on these degrees.

According to latest information, the commission - through a public notice - has labelled offering such courses to be " misleading and in gross violation of the policy regarding offering programmes in ODL Mode". Take a look at the detailed press release here!

Basis the release, UGC has also stated that it has not recognized any institution to offer distance programme in technical education. Thus, any student who acquires such qualification will not be eligible for employment in government  services. He/She will not be eligible for pursuing higher studies.

The committee further suggested that to clarify doubts, regular face-to-face counselling sessions could be conducted during weekends. And as far as practical work is concerned, laboratory experiments could be conducted in recognized colleges considering the physical infrastructure and human resource required for the purpose.

Nevertheless, in its latest release, UGC ignored all these recommendations by the Menon Committee.

Take a look at the list of universities which were allowed to offer approved programmes through distance mode during the academic year 2015-16:

UGC has also withdrawn the recognition status of the following universities. Thus,  the below mentioned universities are not allowed to offer programmes through distance mode during the academic year 2015-16: