UGC releases list of Universities, Colleges to offer Online, Distance Courses; No franchise arrangement

The University Grants Commission has also allowed creation of supernumerary seats for international students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released updated lists of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programs for the academic year 2025-26.

UGC in its notice mentioned October 15, as the last date to admit learners by recognized HEIs in ODL or online programmes. The date for submission of admission data on DEB Web portal for academic session beginning July-August 2025 has also been fixed by UGC.

The UGC has extended last date for eligible HEIs to apply for recognition to offer ODL and Online programs for the 2025-26 session. As per the UGC notice, last date to apply is October 31, 2025.

The UGC notice also states that HEIs shall not offer online programmes under any franchise arrangement, and shall have complete ownership of these programmes.

This extension provides institutions additional time to comply with the Commission’s quality standards. The UGC has also allowed creation of supernumerary seats for international students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs to boost international collaboration between Indian and foreign universities.

UGC has suggested students to check updated list of institutions before applying for online or distance learning courses. The higher education regulator has asked institutions to adhere to the extended deadline of October 31, 2025, to ensure seamless program offerings.

Read More: