UGC Approves 101 Universities for Online & Distance Learning in 2025—Admissions Open Till October 15

In a major step towards expanding digital education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025–26. These programmes are set to begin in July–August, and the final date for student admissions is October 15, 2025.

Additionally, 113 universities have received permission to conduct full-fledged online courses, while 13 institutions have been cleared to launch specialised online learning formats.

This move comes under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, and its amendments. Only institutions that met the required academic and quality benchmarks were granted approval.

Full List of Approved Universities for ODL & Online Programmes

Andhra Pradesh

• Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
• Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati
• Yogi Vemana University
• Andhra Pradesh National Sanskrit University
• AP Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
• Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati

Arunachal Pradesh

• Rajiv Gandhi University

Assam

• Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University
• Gauhati University
• Tezpur University

Bihar

• Nalanda Open University

Chandigarh

• Panjab University

Chhattisgarh

• Pt. Sundarlal Sharma University
• Dr. C. V. Raman University
• Mats University

Delhi

• University Of Delhi
• Jamia Millia Islamia

Gujarat

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad
• Gokul Global University

Haryana

• Guru Jambeshwar University Of Science & Technology
• Maharshi Dayanand University
• Central University Of Haryana

Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh University
• Shoolini University Of Biotechnology And Management Sciences

Jammu & Kashmir

• University Of Kashmir
• University Of Jammu

Jharkhand

• Jharkhand State Open University
• Arka Jain University

Karnataka

• Jain University
• Karnataka State Open University
• Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana

Kerala

• Calicut University
• Kerala University
• Sreenarayanaguru Open University

Madhya Pradesh

• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
• Jiwaji University
• M. P. Bhoj University
• Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya

Maharashtra

• 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 & Technology University

Meghalaya

• University Of Science & Technology

Odisha

• Sambalpur University
• Utkal University
• Odisha State Open University
• Sri Sri University
• Fakir Mohan University
• Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University

Puducherry

• Pondicherry University

Punjab

• Chandigarh University
• Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State University
• Lovely Professional University
• Punjabi University
• Desh Bhagat University
• 
  

Rajasthan

• Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
• Jagannath University
• Jaipur National University
• Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
• Vivekananda Global University

Tamil Nadu

• Annamalai University
• Anna University, Chennai
• Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
• B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai
• Kalasalingam Academy Of Research And Higher Education, Srivilliputhur
• Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
• Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai
• University Of Madras
• Sathyabama Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai
• Mother Teresa Women’s University
• VELS Institute Of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies
• Academy Of Maritime Education And Training
• Bharathiar University
• Periyar University

Telangana

• Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad
• ICFAI Foundation For Higher Education
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
• Kakatiya University

Tripura

• Mata Tripura Sundari Open University

Uttar Pradesh

• Amity University
• Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
• U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University
• Mangalayatan University
• Integral University
• Shobhit Institute Of Engineering & Technology
• Teerthanker Mahaveer University
• IIMT University

Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand Open University
• University Of Patanjali

West Bengal

• Netaji Subhas Open University
• Rabindra Bharati University
• University Of Kalyani
• University Of North Bengal
• University Of Burdwan

AICTE Approval Not Required—With Exceptions

As per the UGC’s 578th Commission decision, central, state, and private universities no longer need prior approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to offer ODL or online programmes in Management, Computer Applications, and Travel & Tourism. However, Deemed-to-be Universities must still obtain AICTE clearance before launching such courses.

Courses governed by other regulatory bodies will only be recognised after receiving approvals from the respective authorities. Institutions must follow all conditions related to seat limits, academic year, and regulatory norms.

Guidelines for Institutions

• All approved Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) must:
• Follow entry-level qualification norms
• Maintain proper admission procedures
• Adhere to programme duration and credit requirements
• Respect territorial jurisdiction rules
• Set up Learner Support Centres (LSCs)
• Submit admission data via the DEB Web Portal using reverse API integration

These steps ensure transparency, quality, and equal access for students across India.

For more updates and simplified guidance on admissions, eligibility, and course details, stay tuned to CollegeUnify