UGC Approves 101 Universities for Online & Distance Learning in 2025: Full List and Key Guidelines

In a major development for digital education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025-26, which will begin in July-August. Alongside, 113 universities have been granted approval to conduct online courses, and 13 institutions have received special clearance to offer specialised online learning (OL) programmes.

The final deadline for student admissions into these recognised programmes is set for October 15, 2025.

Push for Quality in Online and Distance Education

This clearance comes under the UGC's (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, including subsequent amendments. The approval is granted only to those Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) that meet stringent regulatory and quality benchmarks defined by the Commission.

The move is part of the UGC’s continued efforts to expand access to quality education through digital platforms, while ensuring institutions comply with defined academic standards.

AICTE Approval Relaxed for Select Universities

In a significant policy decision during its 578th Commission meeting, the UGC has waived the requirement for AICTE approval for certain programmes under the ODL and online formats. This exemption applies to:

• Central, State, and Private Universities
• Offering UG, PG, and PG Diploma programmes in:
   
  • Management
  • Computer Applications
  • Travel and Tourism

However, Deemed-to-be Universities are not exempt and must continue to seek AICTE’s approval or NOC before launching such programmes.

For other professional programmes governed by regulatory bodies (like NMC, BCI, PCI, etc.), UGC has granted approval only after receiving clearance from the respective authorities. Institutions offering such programmes must strictly comply with seat limits, academic year specifications, and all regulatory norms.

Mandatory Compliance Guidelines for HEIs

All UGC-approved institutions offering ODL and online programmes must follow specific academic and operational protocols, including:

• Entry-level qualifications for applicants
• Admission processes and deadlines
• Prescribed minimum and maximum durations for each course
• Academic credit requirements, as per the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees (2014)
• Territorial jurisdiction rules and the setting up of Learner Support Centres (LSCs)
• Regular data submission via the DEB Web Portal through reverse API integration

These measures are designed to ensure quality, transparency, and equitable academic support for all learners across India.

Full List of UGC-Approved Universities for ODL and Online Programmes (2025-26)

Here’s the comprehensive list of universities cleared to offer ODL and online courses for the 2025-26 academic year:

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

Chhattisgarh

• Pt. Sundarlal Sharma University
• Dr. C. V. Raman University
• Mats University

Delhi

• University of Delhi
• Jamia Millia Islamia

Gujarat

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
• 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
• MP Bhoj University
• Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya

Maharashtra

• Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
• SNDT Women’s University
• Shivaji University
• Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
• University of Mumbai
• Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University
• International Institute for Population Sciences
• 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
• B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
• Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education
• Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
• Tamil Nadu Open University
• University of Madras
• Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
• Mother Teresa Women’s University
• VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
• Academy of Maritime Education and Training
• Bharathiar University
• Periyar University

Telangana

• Maulana Azad National Urdu University
• 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

Final Word

With more than 100 universities and 113 institutions now approved for ODL and online education, and with the AICTE approval exemption streamlining the process for traditional universities, digital higher education in India is poised for significant expansion in 2025-26. However, strict regulatory compliance remains a priority, ensuring academic integrity and learner support in all programmes.