UGC ODL 2025–26 Registration Open for HEIs – Apply by Nov 10

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially initiated the registration process for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) seeking approval to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the 2025–26 academic year. Eligible institutions can apply online through the official portal: deb.ugc.ac.in. According to the notification, the registration window will remain open until November 10, 2025. No applications will be accepted beyond this date. The upcoming academic session for ODL and online programmes is scheduled to begin in February 2026.

Important Submission Guidelines

Along with the online application, institutions must submit a hard copy of the original affidavit by November 20, 2025. The affidavit should be sent to:

Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001

This affidavit submission is mandatory for recognition under UGC regulations. The UGC emphasized that submitting an application does not guarantee approval. All applications will undergo detailed scrutiny based on standards outlined in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, including all subsequent amendments.

Approved HEIs Offering ODL Programmes 2025–26

Several central universities have already received UGC approval to offer ODL programmes for the upcoming academic year. These include:

• National Sanskrit University
• Rajiv Gandhi University
• Tezpur University
• University of Delhi
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Central University of Haryana
• Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
• Pondicherry University
• Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad

These institutions can now provide undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through distance learning in compliance with UGC norms.

Advisory for Applying Institutions

Institutions planning to apply for ODL recognition are advised to:

• Carefully review the latest UGC guidelines.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Submit both online applications and hard copy affidavits within the deadlines.

This initiative aligns with the UGC’s ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, particularly benefiting learners who cannot access traditional classroom-based education