UGC set to issue norms for online degree courses

NEW DELHI: Universities having an accreditation rating of 3.26 and above will be eligible to begin online degree courses and those with a score of 3.01 and above will be able to do the same after getting requisite approvals, as the University Grants Commission (UGC) gets closer to issuing regulations for giving a boost to internet-based education.

“The UGC has finalised the regulations that have been sent by the HRD ministry to the Law ministry for vetting. Once the regulations are issued, the way for a large number of universities to start online degree courses would be paved,” a person familiar with the development said.

Once the University Grants Commission guidelines are issued in the coming weeks, it would be easier for varsities to begin online degrees from the next academic session, which is likely to begin in November-december.

There is a view that to ensure quality, there may be an initial cap on the number of online degrees universities may offer.