UGC approves 101 universities for ODL, online learning for 2025–26 academic session; full list released
UGC has released the list of approved higher education institutions for offering ODL and online degree programmes in the 2025–26 academic session, covering major universities and open institutions across India.
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities and 20 category 1 institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025–26. Additionally, 113 universities have been authorised to conduct online programmes, while 13 institutions have received clearance to launch specialised online learning (OL) programmes. The last date for admissions into recognised ODL and online programmes is October 15, 2025.
The approval follows UGC’s call for applications from eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, ensuring that only those meeting academic and regulatory benchmarks are recognised. The initiative is aimed at expanding digital access to higher education and promoting flexible, technology-based learning across India.
UGC relaxes AICTE approval norms
In its 578th Commission decision, the UGC has exempted central, state and private universities from obtaining prior approval or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programmes in management, computer applications and travel and tourism through ODL or online mode. However, deemed-to-be universities must still secure prior AICTE approval before launching such programmes.
Rules for recognised HEIs
UGC has directed all approved institutions to comply with academic and operational standards under the ODL Regulations (2020). These include admission norms, programme duration, territorial jurisdiction, learner support centres, and submission of student data through the DEB Web Portal to ensure transparency and quality.
Full list of approved universities (2025–26)
- Acharya Nagarjuna University
- Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam
- Yogi Vemana University
- Andhra Pradesh National Sanskrit University
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
- Sri Venkateswara University
- Rajiv Gandhi University
- Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University
- Gauhati University
- Tezpur University
- Nalanda Open University
- Panjab University
- Pt Sundarlal Sharma University
- Dr CV Raman University
- Mats University
- University of Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
- Gokul Global University
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology
- Maharshi Dayanand University
- Central University of Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh University
- Shoolini University
- University of Kashmir
- University of Jammu
- Jharkhand State Open University
- Arka Jain University
- Jain University
- Karnataka State Open University
- Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana
- University of Calicut
- University of Kerala
- Sreenarayanaguru Open University
- Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
- Jiwaji University
- MP Bhoj University
- Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya
- Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
- Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University
- Shivaji University
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
- University of Mumbai
- Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University
- International Institute for Population Sciences
- MIT Art Design and Technology University
- University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya
- Sambalpur University
- Utkal University
- Odisha State Open University
- Sri Sri University
- Fakir Mohan University
- Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University
- Pondicherry University
- Chandigarh University
- Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State University
- Lovely Professional University
- Punjabi University
- Desh Bhagat University
- Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
- Jagannath University
- Jaipur National University
- Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
- Vivekananda Global University
- Annamalai University
- Anna University
- Bharathidasan University
- B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
- Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education
- Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
- Tamil Nadu Open University
- University of Madras
- Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
- Mother Teresa Women’s University
- VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
- Academy of Maritime Education and Training
- Bharathiar University
- Periyar University
- Maulana Azad National Urdu University
- ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education
- Dr BR Ambedkar Open University
- Kakatiya University
- Mata Tripura Sundari Open University
- Amity University
- Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
- UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University
- Mangalayatan University
- Integral University
- Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology
- Teerthanker Mahaveer University
- IIMT University
- Uttarakhand Open University
- University of Patanjali
- Netaji Subhas Open University
- Rabindra Bharati University
- University of Kalyani
- University of North Bengal
- University of Burdwan
The UGC said that these institutions represent a nationwide network of quality ODL and online learning providers, committed to widening access to education through innovation, inclusivity, and regulatory integrity.