67,000 MU students opt for distance learning, IDOL still to get UGC nod

Around 67,000 students have secured admission to the Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL) of Mumbai University (MU) this year. While, IDOL has admitted students, it has not got approval under the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is still trying for the same.

More students are expected to enrol this year, as compared to 68,000 students who had secured admission last year, as there is one more admission round to be conducted. Through IDOL, students from different states of India get an opportunity to study 14 different courses through the medium of distance learning under MU. Students also opt for IDOL as it gives them the freedom to work and study alongside, unlike regular courses.

Although students have secured admission, UGC has not listed IDOL for distance learning, as it failed to make it to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) ranking. In addition, the ranking dipped as MU witnessed a huge delay in declaring results of 2017 summer semester examinations.

This year, authorities of IDOL are trying to rectify the situation and improve their ranking. New teachers and coordinators have been appointed for all courses. Madhura Kulkarni, in-charge director of IDOL said, "We have appointed two teachers for each course. We have roped in university campus teachers to serve as coordinators for our courses so that they can use their expertise for our students." Currently there are 25 teachers for 14 courses in IDOL.

In order to get approval from UGC, authorities of IDOL are trying to improvise the on ground situation. Kulkarni added, "We will conduct all our examinations on time as per schedule. We have rectified all discrepancies in assessment so that there is no delay in result declaration. And now with more teachers we are trying to make the education process better for our students."

Students claimed there was no delay in result declaration of last semester examination. Prateek Nair, a student said, "We are continuing to study in IDOL as there has been no delay in our result now. In fact, results of Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and Master of Commerce (MCom) course of last summer semester were declared early. And this year, large number of students have secured admission for various courses irrespective of the mess which occurred last year."