UGC / DEB Approval list for Online Programmes 2024: Key points and guidelines for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

The University Grant Commission (UGC) of India published some guidelines in August 2024 for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering online courses for the academic year 2024-25 without prior approval of UGC. Here are some essential points from the report published by the UGC.

1. Online Applications and Compliance:

Application by HEIs has to be submitted online, with the assurance of compliance with UGC Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020, as amended from time to time.

It would also cover compliance with the conditions of eligibility, permissibility of programs, adherence to the UGC Notification of Specification of Degrees, 2014, and prior approval from the Regulatory Authority, wherever required.

2. Entitlement of HEIs:

• HEIs are entitled to offer online programmes as long as they meet NAAC or NIRF ranking requirements. Failure to comply will require discontinuation of the programmes.

3. Programmes Under Regulatory Authorities:

• Programmes under the ambit of Regulatory Authorities are considered based on separate communication from the respective authority. HEIs must follow the conditions mentioned in the authority’s approval.

4. Ownership and Franchise:

• HEIs must not offer online programmes under any franchise arrangement and should maintain full ownership of these programmes.

5. Terminology:

• HEIs must use "UGC entitled" instead of "UGC recognized" when describing their programmes.

6. Adherence to Regulations:

• HEIs must strictly follow Parts III, IV, and V of the UGC Regulations, including all terms, conditions, and stipulated steps.

7. Admission and Compliance Deadlines:

• November 15, 2024, is the final date for the admission of students for the academic year 2024-25.
• All admission details for the academic year must be submitted on the UGC portal. This process of submission must be done before the deadline of November 30, 2024.

8. Accountability & Responsibility:

• HEIs will be held responsible if the university or college submits false information or violates other UGC guidelines. HEIs may face penalties, including those related to the career consequences of learners.

9. No AICTE Approval Required:

• Central, State, and Private Universities do not require prior approval from AICTE for offering specific programmes in Management, Computer Applications, and Travel and Tourism. However, Deemed Universities must still seek AICTE approval.

10. List of Entitled HEIs:

• The UGC has made a public list of entitled HEIs to offer online programmes, Academic Year 2024-25. This is quite a long list comprising many diverse institutions across several states of India.

List of Universities Entitled to Offer Online Programmes (2024-25)

This table, therefore, gives a total of all the 38 universities in this document, with the pertinent details of state, type of HEI, name of institution, number of programmes, academic session, and specific programmes entitled to be offered online.

Conclusion:

The revised UGC guidelines for 2024-25 provide a clear path for HEIs to offer their programmes online, ensuring quality compliance. The exhaustive list of entitled universities is a valuable resource for both students and academics, offering reassurance and optimism for the future of online education.

Detailed information and guidelines are available on UGC's official website. Apart from guidelines, the list of colleges and universities is also published on UGC's website.