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UGC Approved 101 Universities for Online and Distance Learning 2025-26: Complete List and Guidelines

UGC Approved 101 Universities for Online and Distance Learning 2025-26: Complete List and Guidelines

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given approval to 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions. These institutions can now offer open and distance learning (ODL) programs for the 2025-26 academic year. Classes will start in July-August 2025.

The commission is pushing for digital education. It's authorized 113 universities to run online courses. Another 13 institutions can launch specialized online learning (OL) programs. Students need to complete their admissions by October 15, 2025.

This is the final deadline for all recognized ODL and online programs.

👉 Complete List PDF Here

UGC's Call for Eligible Higher Educational Institutions

The UGC asked eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to apply under specific regulations. These are the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, along with its amendments. Institutions that met the regulatory and quality standards got approval.

They can now offer ODL and online programs to students across India.

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Complete List of UGC Approved Universities for Distance Learning

Here's the state-wise list of all approved universities:

State University Name
Andhra Pradesh Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
Andhra Pradesh Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati
Andhra Pradesh Yogi Vemana University
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh National Sanskrit University
Andhra Pradesh AP Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Andhra Pradesh Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
Arunachal Pradesh Rajiv Gandhi University
Assam Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University
Assam Gauhati University
Assam Tezpur University
Bihar Nalanda Open University
Chandigarh Panjab University, Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh Pt. Sundarlal Sharma University, Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh Dr. C. V. Raman University, Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh Mats University, Chhattisgarh
Delhi University of Delhi
Delhi Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
Gujarat Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad
Gujarat Gokul Global University, Gujarat
Haryana Guru Jambeshwar University of Science & Technology, Haryana
Haryana Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana
Haryana Central University of Haryana
Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh University
Himachal Pradesh Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh
Jammu & Kashmir University of Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir University of Jammu
Jharkhand Jharkhand State Open University
Jharkhand Arka Jain University, Jharkhand
Karnataka Jain University, Karnataka
Karnataka Karnataka State Open University
Karnataka Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Karnataka
Kerala Calicut University, Kerala
Kerala Kerala University
Kerala Sreenarayanaguru Open University, Kerala
Madhya Pradesh Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh Jiwaji University, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh M. P. Bhoj University
Madhya Pradesh Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Maharashtra
Maharashtra Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, Maharashtra
Maharashtra Shivaji University, Maharashtra
Maharashtra Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
Maharashtra University of Mumbai
Maharashtra Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Maharashtra
Maharashtra International Institute for Population Sciences, Maharashtra
Maharashtra MIT Art Design & Technology University, Maharashtra
Meghalaya University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya
Odisha Sambalpur University, Odisha
Odisha Utkal University, Odisha
Odisha Odisha State Open University
Odisha Sri Sri University, Odisha
Odisha Fakir Mohan University, Odisha
Odisha Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Odisha
Puducherry Pondicherry University
Punjab Chandigarh University, Punjab
Punjab Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State University
Punjab Lovely Professional University, Punjab
Punjab Punjabi University, Punjab
Punjab Desh Bhagat University, Punjab
Rajasthan Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Rajasthan
Rajasthan Jagannath University, Rajasthan
Rajasthan Jaipur National University, Rajasthan
Rajasthan Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Rajasthan
Rajasthan Vivekananda Global University, Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Anna University, Chennai
Tamil Nadu Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
Tamil Nadu B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Tamil Nadu Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education, Srivilliputhur
Tamil Nadu Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai
Tamil Nadu University of Madras
Tamil Nadu Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Tamil Nadu Mother Teresa Women's University
Tamil Nadu VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies
Tamil Nadu Academy of Maritime Education and Training, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Periyar University, Tamil Nadu
Telangana Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad
Telangana ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Telangana
Telangana Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Telangana
Telangana Kakatiya University, Telangana
Tripura Mata Tripura Sundari Open University, Tripura
Uttar Pradesh Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University
Uttar Pradesh Mangalayatan University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Integral University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh IIMT University, Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Open University
Uttarakhand University of Patanjali, Uttarakhand
West Bengal Netaji Subhas Open University, West Bengal
West Bengal Rabindra Bharati University, West Bengal
West Bengal University of Kalyani, West Bengal
West Bengal University of North Bengal, West Bengal
West Bengal University of Burdwan, West Bengal

UGC Relaxes AICTE Approval Requirements

The UGC made an important decision in its 578th Commission meeting. Central, state, and private universities don't need prior approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) anymore. They can offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate diploma programs in three areas without AICTE permission. These areas are Management, Computer Applications, and Travel and Tourism through ODL or online mode.

However, there's an exception. Deemed-to-be Universities still need to get prior approval from AICTE. They must obtain a recommendation or No Objection Certificate (NOC) before launching such programs in ODL or online formats.

Programs that fall under other regulatory bodies have received UGC recognition. But this came only after they got approvals from the respective authorities. Institutions offering these courses must follow all conditions strictly. This includes seat capacity limits, designated academic year requirements, and other regulatory norms.

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Rules and Standards for Higher Educational Institutions

The Commission has set clear rules for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). These recognized institutions must follow defined academic and operational standards. The standards apply to all ODL and online programs they offer.

The standards cover several important areas. These include entry-level qualifications for learners and the mode of admission. They also specify the minimum and maximum duration of programs. The number of academic credits is fixed as per the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees (2014) and the ODL Regulations (2020).

Institutions must follow territorial jurisdiction norms strictly. They need to establish Learner Support Centres (LSCs). These centers must comply with Annexures 3 and 7 of the 2020 regulations. These provisions ensure that learners across the country get equal access to academic support and guidance.

The UGC wants transparency and regulatory compliance. That's why institutions must submit admission data through the DEB Web Portal. They'll use reverse API integration for this purpose.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

Students who want to enroll in distance or online programs should remember these dates. The academic session starts in July-August 2025. The final deadline for admissions is October 15, 2025. Don't miss this deadline if you're planning to join any recognized ODL or online program.

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What This Means for Students

This approval gives students more choices. They can now pursue higher education from recognized universities without attending regular classes. Working professionals can upgrade their skills. Students in remote areas can access quality education. The flexible learning options make education more accessible to everyone.

Make sure you check if your chosen university is on this approved list. Only enroll in programs from UGC-recognized institutions. This ensures your degree will be valid and recognized everywhere in India.

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