The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 101 universities across India to offer Open and Distance Learning (UGC ODL List 2025-26) programmes for the 2025-26 session. Check the complete list of recognized universities, courses, and download the official PDF.
New Delhi | October 7, 2025 | The Interview Times – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially released the list of 101 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) approved to offer Open and Distance Learning (UGC ODL List 2025-26) programmes for the academic year 2025-26, beginning with the July–August session.
The new recognition list, dated October 3, 2025, and signed by UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi, includes a wide spectrum of state, central, private, and deemed-to-be universities authorized to conduct ODL programmes under strict regulatory norms.
This approval comes as part of UGC’s ongoing effort to expand access to higher education while maintaining quality through compliance with the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.
The Commission has also announced October 15, 2025, as the deadline for admissions and data submission through its reverse API system.
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Key Highlights from the UGC ODL List 2025-26
- Total Institutions: 101 HEIs across 20+ states
- Recognition Validity: Ranges from 2024-25 to 2029-30
- Total Programmes: Over 1,000, spanning Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Yoga, Sanskrit, Education, and more
UGC ODL List 2025-26: State-Wise Overview
| State | Number of HEIs | Approx. Total Programmes | Example Institution |
| Andhra Pradesh | 6 | 67 | Acharya Nagarjuna University (23 programmes) |
| Tamil Nadu | 15 | 194 | Bharathidasan University (39 programmes) |
| Uttar Pradesh | 15 | 120 | U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University (25 programmes) |
| Maharashtra | 9 | 102 | Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (17 programmes) |
| Odisha | 8 | 81 | Utkal University (15 programmes) |
| West Bengal | 5 | 60 | Netaji Subhas Open University (19 programmes) |
| Punjab | 5 | 35 | Lovely Professional University (17 programmes) |
| Rajasthan | 6 | 42 | Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (22 programmes) |
| Telangana | 4 | 30 | Kakatiya University (21 programmes) |
| Others (Assam, Bihar, Delhi, etc.) | 28 | 200+ | Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (Assam, 29 programmes) |
UGC ODL List 2025-26: UGC’s Guidelines and Compliance Rules
According to the UGC notification, all ODL programmes that fall under specific regulatory bodies — such as AICTE (for Management and Computer Applications) — have been cleared only upon receipt of No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
- Central, state, and private universities are exempt from AICTE approval for non-technical courses.
- Deemed-to-be universities must obtain AICTE’s approval for technical or professional courses.
All HEIs must comply with UGC’s norms related to learner support centres, credit systems, entry qualifications, and quality audits.
Any deviation or violation will invite strict action, including de-recognition under Regulation 7.
Prof. Joshi emphasized in the official notice:
“HEIs shall scrupulously abide by all terms and conditions… In case of any violation, the institution shall be solely liable.”
Impact on Students and the Education Ecosystem
This move holds special significance in the post-pandemic era, as the demand for flexible, affordable, and accessible education continues to rise.
The recognition of 101 institutions reinforces UGC’s vision of democratizing higher education and making learning available beyond traditional classrooms. Students are urged to verify courses and institutions via the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal before enrolling to avoid unrecognized programmes that may affect their career prospects.
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List of 101 UGC-Approved Universities (UGC ODL List 2025-26 with Courses)
The complete list of universities and their approved ODL programmes for the 2025-26 session is available below:
👉 Click Here to Check Full List of Courses and Institutions (UGC ODL List 2025-26 – List of 101 Universities with Courses)
Conclusion
The 2025-26 UGC ODL approval marks another step toward expanding regulated distance learning opportunities in India. With over 1,000 programmes and 101 accredited institutions, the initiative ensures quality, flexibility, and credibility in the country’s higher education system.
Source: University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau (DEB)