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

SHARING IS CARING
If our Website helped you a little, then kindly spread our voice using Social Networks. Spread our word to your readers, friends, teachers, students & all those close ones who deserve to know what you know now.
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.
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.
👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Universities in India – Check Full List
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.
👉 Read Also - NIRF Rankings 2025: Full List of Top Colleges, Universities and Institutes
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.
👉 Read Also - Low Score in JEE Advanced 2025? Explore These Best Alternatives for a Bright Future
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.
👉 Read Also - QS World University Rankings 2026: MIT No. 1, IIT Delhi Tops in India - Check Full List Here
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.
---
👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Medical Colleges in India
👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Colleges in India – Complete List
👉 Read Also - QS World Rankings 2026: IIT Delhi Leads India - Complete List of Ranked Indian Universities
👉 Read Also - Computer Science vs Other Branches in IITs; Which Is Better & Why?
--