UGC Distance Education 2025-26: Over 100 Universities Approved for ODL and Online Courses
5 Days Ago
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially approved 101 universities across India to offer online and distance learning (ODL) programs for the academic year 2025–26. This move supports the growing demand for flexible education and digital learning platforms. Students can now apply to these recognized institutions for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
What This Means for Students
With this consent, students have the liberty to pursue a degree of their choice at any university besides attending regular classes. Such an option is most convenient for a working professional, a learner at a distance, and a person who is looking for a cheap mode of study. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has stated that only those institutions that have passed the prescribed quality and other regulatory criteria have been given the green light.
Categories of Approved Institutions
Category | Number of Institutions |
Universities approved for ODL | 101 |
Universities approved for Online | 113 |
Category-I Institutions | 20 |
Specialized Online Programs | 13 |
UGC Admission Deadline 2025
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially announced that the last date to submit applications for open and distance learning (ODL) and online courses is October 15, 2025. Students willing to avail the seats allotted for the upcoming academic session must send in their applications on or before the mentioned date.
Complete List of UGC Approved Online & Distance Universities
Here is the list of the universities approved for online and distance learning-
State | University Name |
Andhra Pradesh | Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur |
Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati | |
Yogi Vemana University | |
Andhra Pradesh National Sanskrit University | |
AP Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | |
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati | |
Arunachal Pradesh | Rajiv Gandhi University |
Assam | Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University |
Gauhati University | |
Tezpur University | |
Bihar | Nalanda Open University |
Chandigarh | Panjab University |
Pt. Sundarlal Sharma University | |
Dr. C. V. Raman University | |
Mats University | |
Delhi | University Of Delhi |
Jamia Millia Islamia | |
Gujarat | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad |
Gokul Global University | |
Haryana | Guru Jambeshwar University Of Science & Technology |
Maharshi Dayanand University | |
Central University Of Haryana | |
Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh University |
Shoolini University Of Biotechnology And Management Sciences | |
Jammu & Kashmir | University Of Kashmir |
University Of Jammu | |
Jharkhand | Jharkhand State Open University |
Arka Jain University | |
Karnataka | Jain University |
Karnataka State Open University | |
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana | |
Kerala | Calicut University |
Kerala University | |
Sreenarayanaguru Open University | |
Madhya Pradesh | Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya |
Jiwaji University | |
M. P. Bhoj University | |
Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya | |
Maharashtra | Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya |
Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University | |
Shivaji University | |
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | |
University Of Mumbai | |
Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University | |
International Institute For Population Sciences | |
Maharashtra | MIT Art Design & Technology University |
Meghalaya | University Of Science & Technology |
Odisha | Sambalpur University |
Utkal University | |
Odisha State Open University | |
Sri Sri University | |
Fakir Mohan University | |
Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University | |
Puducherry | Pondicherry University |
Punjab | Chandigarh University |
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State University | |
Lovely Professional University | |
Punjabi University | |
Desh Bhagat University | |
Rajasthan | Jain Vishva Bharati Institute |
Jagannath University | |
Jaipur National University | |
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | |
Vivekananda Global University | |
Tamil Nadu | Annamalai University |
Anna University, Chennai | |
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli | |
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai | |
Kalasalingam Academy Of Research And Higher Education, Srivilliputhur | |
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli | |
Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai | |
University Of Madras | |
Sathyabama Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai | |
Mother Teresa Women’s University | |
VELS Institute Of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies | |
Academy Of Maritime Education And Training | |
Bharathiar University | |
Periyar University | |
Telangana | Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad |
ICFAI Foundation For Higher Education | |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University | |
Kakatiya University | |
Tripura | Mata Tripura Sundari Open University |
Uttar Pradesh | Amity University |
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | |
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University | |
Mangalayatan University | |
Integral University | |
Shobhit Institute Of Engineering & Technology | |
Teerthanker Mahaveer University | |
IIMT University | |
Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand Open University |
University Of Patanjali | |
West Bengal | Netaji Subhas Open University |
Rabindra Bharati University | |
University Of Kalyani | |
University Of North Bengal | |
University Of Burdwan |
Restrictions on Certain Courses
According to the UGC, starting in the 2025–26 academic session, courses in healthcare and related degrees that fall under disciplines recognized by the Indian Nursing Council, Medical Council of India, or any other similar statutory body will not be permitted in a full online or distance mode. The UGC feels that it is critical to protect the quality of education in subjects that require practical training. Students will not be able to obtain clinical or laboratory experience through remote learning. Similarly, the UGC believes it is essential for students in healthcare courses to have proper lab work as well as clinical exposure, which would not be achievable through online or distance education.
How to Apply at these UGC approved Universities?
Students interested in enrolling should-
Step 1: Students must visit the official website of a recognized university to apply to these colleges.
Step 2: Review the information about the courses and requirements.
Step 3: Complete the application form on/ before the due date of October 15, 2025.
Step 4: Check if the program is UGC-DEB recognized.
UGC Approval Expands Online and Distance Learning for Working and Remote Students
Approval of more than 100 universities by the UGC for online and distance learning is a significant step for increasing access to education. Students from across India can now pursue their studies at home, rather than moving to a new city and attending classes in person. This shift is excellent for working professionals, parents, and those who live in remote areas. The remote and/or online learning option allows so many more people to develop better futures for themselves, without having to stop their current life and obligations.
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