A major controversy has erupted around Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a warning to the university for continuing to display its expired “A+ Grade” accreditation publicly. This has put the academic future of over 6,000 students especially those enrolled in online and distance-learning courses in jeopardy.

According to the notice sent by NAAC on November 17, MDU had failed to renew its accreditation after it expired on March 27, 2024. Despite repeated warnings, the university allegedly continued to use and advertise the “A+ status” on its website and promotional materials an act flagged as misleading and a violation of NAAC’s norms. 

As a result, the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s Distance Education Bureau has declared MDU ineligible to offer open and distance learning (ODL) and online programmes for the 2025–26 academic year. Experts warn that the degrees awarded to students during this period may be considered invalid, and this uncertainty is causing panic among thousands of learners. 

Parents and students have expressed deep concern. Many were unaware of the accreditation lapse, having enrolled on the basis of the publicized A+ ranking. With online and distance programmes being popular options for working students and those from remote areas, the sudden ineligibility could derail careers, plans for higher studies, or job prospects.

University authorities have offered a partial response claiming that their five-year accreditation approval (awarded in 2019) still stands, and stating that they had applied under NAAC’s new accreditation methodology. But NAAC’s warning suggests that continuing to display the old grade until re-accreditation is misleading and not permissible. 

Political leaders and educational watchdogs have also weighed in. Deepender Hooda, a prominent leader, called MDU’s continued claim of A+ status “academic fraud,” urging removal of responsible officials, and warning of severe consequences for the university’s reputation, funding, and students’ futures. 

For now, tension and uncertainty hang heavy over MDU’s student community. Unless the university clears the accreditation issue quickly, many might find themselves studying at an institution whose credentials are in limbo a scenario no student signing up for higher education ever expects.