UGC Bans Non-University Institutes from Offering Distance Education Programmes

The latest decision taken by the University Grants Commission or UGC has come as a shock for non-university institutes. According to the new rules of UGC, only universities can offer distance education/ learning programmes, and non-university institutes have no authority to offer these programmes. Currently, there are various institutes in India, particularly B-Schools, that are offer diploma courses through distance mode. Now, all these institutes have no other option except to shut down the courses. UGC will not extend the recognition to these courses.

Also read: - Check Out New Rules of UGC for Distance Learning Programmes

However, the colleges that have a recognition letter from UGC until the specific academic session can continue to offer courses in distance mode. Once the recognition period is over, the colleges will have no choice but to discontinue the course. These institutes will have an option to offer courses through distance mode only if they convert to a university or deemed university.

One of the former officials of Mumbai University associated with distance courses revealed that many distance courses offered by non-university institutes do not have proper regulation and do not come under the ambit of AICTE. These institutes minted a lot of money by offering various courses in distance mode. With an objective to improve the standards in distance education, UGC has taken this move, he added.

Also read: - UGC to Establish Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences

Besides restricting non-university institutes from offering courses in distance mode, the UGC has also restricted universities to have study centres out of its jurisdiction. For instance, Pune University can not establish a study centre in Belapur.