UGC approves online degree courses in 37 universities

While giving approval to the universities to offer online courses, UGC asked for affidavits and details were sought from the universities to check that they have adhered to the rules.

The University Grant Commission (UGC) approved the plan to allow approximately 37 universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), to offer online degrees. According to the reports, the decision is taken almost six months after UGC started the process of recognizing such qualifications. Considering the ongoing pandemic situation, UGC took this step with an aim to give formal recognition to online degrees and cash in on the momentum built during the COVID disruptions. Reports suggest that this may also increase enrolment in higher education allowing varsities utilize resources in a better way and generate revenue. UGC has approved a variety of courses starting from Sanskrit to business administration, from data science to liberal arts.

Talking about the move, the Commission said, “As mandated by the regulations, online applications had been invited from all entitled higher educational institutions (HEIs) willing to offer programmes under online mode for the academic session 2020-21, beginning January revised (Feb-March)... further each HEIs were required to submit an affidavit for ensuring compliance to all provisions of the UGC (open and distance learning programmes and online programmes) Regulations 2020.”

While giving approval to the universities to offer online courses, UGC asked for affidavits and details were sought from the universities to check that they have adhered to the rules.

Considering the growth that online education witnessed during the lockdown period, UGC took this important step towards education via virtual mode. Education regulators have already allowed up to 20% of a normal course to be offered online to help students catch up on their studies. “Fully-online degrees are an extension of India’s larger plan to open up and liberalize higher education. India will allow the top 100 universities to offer full-fledged online degrees,” finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during the 2020 Union budget.

The step taken by UGC is also in line with the new education policy that proposes “an overhaul" of the sector to create a new system to not only offer quality higher education but also take India’s gross enrolment ratio to 50% from around 27% now.

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