Universities need prior UGC approval for online, distance-learning courses: Centre

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will now need to give the universities advance approval before they can offer courses through open and distance learning.

Universities may offer courses with the commission's approval as long as they meet all of the regulations' requirements, according to the government statement



announcing the order.

“Universities may offer courses in the Open and Distance Learning mode, with approval of the Commission, provided it satisfies all the conditions laid down under the regulations, by whatever name they are called, pertaining to open and distance learning mode notified by the UGC from time to time,” it added.