New Delhi, December 2025:
In a major push towards flexible and technology-driven education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities across India to offer Online and Open Distance Learning (ODL) programs for the 2025–26 academic session. This move aims to expand access to higher education and enable learners to pursue degrees without traditional classroom restrictions. 🎓🌐
The approved list includes Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Institutions, marking a significant step in strengthening digital education infrastructure nationwide.
⭐ Key Highlights
- Total Institutions Approved: 101
- Mode of Learning: Online & Open Distance Learning (ODL)
- Academic Session: 2025–26
- Programs approved range from Undergraduate (UG) to Postgraduate (PG) and include job-oriented diploma courses.
- UGC emphasized strict adherence to quality standards, LMS implementation, and transparent student support systems.
🎓 Why This Approval Matters
The decision aligns with the NEP 2020 vision of widening educational access through technology. With millions of students seeking flexible learning due to work commitments, location constraints, or financial limitations, ODL and online programs offer:
- Lower-cost education
- No-barrier accessibility
- Freedom to learn anytime, anywhere
- Increased digital participation in higher education
This also boosts India’s goal of achieving a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2035.
🏫 Types of Universities Approved
The list includes:
- Central Universities
- State Public Universities
- Private Universities
- Institutions of National Importance
- Deemed-to-be Universities
These institutions are permitted to offer online degrees in disciplines such as:
- Commerce
- Management
- Computer Applications
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Education & more
Program offerings may vary by university.
🔗 Official Source
UGC will publish the complete list on its portal:
👉 www.ugc.ac.in
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is created for information purposes. Students must verify details on the official UGC website and respective university portals before applying.
