UGC notifies open, distance learning rules for universities

Universities offering programmes through distance mode will now be regulated under the University Grants Commission (UGC) (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017, notified by the commission on Friday.

The commission, through the regulations, has laid down the minimum standards of instruction for the grant of degree at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels through open and distance learning mode.

According to officials, under the new regulations, students will also be allowed to take up to 20% of the total courses being offered in a particular programme in a semester through the online learning courses/ massive open online courses as per UGC’s (Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM) Regulations, 2016.

“Under this mode, students will be able to opt for online courses offered by various universities and institutions across the country and the credit will be transferred to them,” said a senior UGC official.

All higher educational institutions offering a programme in open and distance learning mode will now have to seek fresh approval from the commission to operate.

Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kurukshetra University among others will be impacted by the move.

The regulations will apply to universities offering distance learning mode for all degree programmes at the undergraduate and post-graduate level, other than programmes in engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy and programmes not permitted to be offered in distance mode by any other regulatory body.

All examinations for programmes of the open and distance mode will be conducted within the institution where the study centres or learner support centres are located.