UGC releases guidelines issued for students enrolling under ODL, online mode programmes

University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday released essential guidelines for candidates enrolling for open and distance learning (ODL) and online learning programmes. The points for precautionary guidelines have been stated in detail by the UGC, applied to both the UG and PG candidates.

1. The very first guideline states that students should check themselves the status of higher educational institutions (HEIs) which includes a thorough checking of recognition status and entitlement status. Students must check which HEIs are debarred for offering ODL or online programmes and have been categorized under ‘no admission category’.
2. All the details regarding the admission must be checked by the students on the websites of the HEIs. Primary documents submitted by the HEIs like the application, affidavit, and other concerned documents must be checked by the students to ensure the legitimacy of the institute. If a student finds any discrepancy in details available on the official website of HEIs, she/he should immediately communicate it to UGC.
3. HEIs should adhere to duration of academic session. The last date to apply for July- August 2022 academic session is till October 31, 2022.
4. Students should ensure that the minimum duration, nomenclature and entry level qualification for ODL and online courses under which the enrolment is being made is strictly followed as per UGC notification.
5. UGC has listed some programmes, prohibited to be offered under ODL and online programmes available in the official notification. Around 17 programmes have been prohibited in the ODL mode by the Commission, which includes MPhil and PhD programmes.
6. Students before enrolling under any programme must ensure that all the activities of the concerned HEI including admission, counselling, examinations are within territorial jurisdiction for ODL programmes.
7. Central, state, private or deemed universities are strictly prohibited from offering its programmes through franchising arrangements for admitting learners as well as conducting courses through ODL and online mode.
8. The UG and PG degrees offered through these programmes (ODL and online mode) shall be treated as equivalent to the corresponding degree awardees at the UG and PG levels.
9. Important learner center provisions of the UGC released guidelines include learner’s mobility, admission taken through recognition period and learner’s enrolment.

Also Read: https://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/news/professors-of-practice-ugc-releases-guidelines-no-need-of-net-or-a-bed-degree/cid/1882325