The University Grants Commission has approved 101 universities and 20 Category-1 institutes to offer Open and Distance Learning programs for the 2025 and 26 academic session. Along with this, 113 universities got permission to run online courses, and 13 institutes has been allowed to offer special online learning programmes. This approval shows a big expansion in India’s higher education field, aiming to make study more accessable and flexible for students who can’t attend regular college classes.

The new academic session will start around July or August 2025, matching with the normal university schedule. The UGC said clearly that universities offering these course must follow all the rules related to admission, course design, evaluation and student data uploading. All admission and data upload must be finished by October 15, 2025, to make sure transparency and timely working across all institutions.

UGC also made an important clarification that universities offering non-technical courses like management, commerce, computer application or tourism through online or distance mode don’t need AICTE approval. But deemed universities who are running technical or professional course still need AICTE’s permission.

This decision reflects UGC’s effort to make higher education open for more people through digital and distance learning. With so many universities getting approval, students from rural and far areas will now get easier access to good education. The step also supports India’s Digital Education Vision and National Education Policy 2020, which both promote inclusiveness, flexibility and use of technology in learning.

However, some experts said that universities must keep focus on maintaining good academic quality, providing strong tech support and keeping students engaged. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be very important to make sure these courses meet national standard and truly give students better learning chances. UGC’s move is a major step toward making India’s higher education more inclusive, flexible and ready for the future.