Finance
Admissions to online and open-distance learning (ODL) programs have been extended for the July–August 2025 academic year by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The previous deadline of September 15 has been replaced with October 15. Multiple higher educational institutes (HEIs) requested this judgment, the UGC said in an official statement. The Commission has requested that universities follow the updated schedule.
In a previous notice, the Commission had requested that HEIs stop providing healthcare and related programs under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, either online or through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) starting with the July–August 2025 academic year.
Recommendations from the 24th Distance Education Bureau Working Group meeting, held on April 22, 2025, served as the basis for the decision taken at the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 592nd meeting on July 23, 2025. Certain specializations, such as psychology, microbiology, food and nutrition science, biotechnology, clinical nutrition, and dietetics, are prohibited under this ruling.
The directive states that beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, colleges and universities will not be allowed to offer certain programs online or through Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The UGC will revoke any recognition that institutions have already obtained to conduct these programs.
In cases where a program includes multiple specialisations—such as a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in subjects like English, Hindi, Punjabi, Economics, History, Mathematics, Public Administration, Philosophy, Political Science, Statistics, Human Rights and Duties, Sanskrit, Psychology, Geography, Sociology, or Women’s Studies—only the healthcare-related specialisation will be withdrawn.
The UGC has instructed HEIs not to admit students into these programmes starting from the July-August 2025 session. All stakeholders have been urged to strictly adhere to this decision.
A recent public advisory from the higher education authority cautions students and higher education institutions (HEIs) against participating in unapproved partnerships with overseas educational providers. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it clear that any degree or diploma earned in this way will not be accepted by the Commission and will be considered void in India.
Source: IE
