Published by: Sukanya Nandy
Last updated: 09 Oct 2023 17:07 IST
The higher education institution must apply at deb.ugc.ac.in (file photo)
UGC issued an official notification on October 5 stating that the online application submission portal will remain open from October 10 to October 31
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited a fresh round of applications from eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for recognition to offer programs in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode and/or online mode for the academic year 2023 -2024, classes for which will commence from February 2024. The commission issued an official notification on October 5 stating that the online application submission portal will remain open from October 10 to October 31.
“Eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEls) already recognized by the UGC to offer ODL and/or online programs for the academic year 2023-24 may apply for recognition of any additional programmes,” it said notification.
The higher education institution should apply at deb.ugc.ac.in and the duly attested hard copy of the application along with the original affidavit and attachment should reach the Assistant Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi -110001 by November 15.
The official notice read: “Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may note that the mere submission of an application shall not be considered as granting approval and all application(s) will be subject to examination with regard to the standards laid down in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programs and Online Programs) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments.”
University Grants Commission further informed that the window for submitting applications will remain open throughout the year on the official website for:
— Higher Education Institutions (HEls) have the right to offer online programs without prior approval of UGC under Regulation 3(BXa) of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programs and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments.
— Category-I HEls notified by UGC as per UGC (Categorization of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018 and its amendments for offering programs in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
However, the University Grants Commission (UGC) amended the norms for online and open learning to allow autonomous colleges in India to offer online and distance learning programs from the 2022-2023 academic session without seeking prior approval in September last year. However, certain categories of higher education institutions must submit an application to the higher education regulator to request permission. The changed standards allow them to engage education technology companies to develop content and assessment systems.
