Pursue These Online Programs at Your Own Peril, Read on to Know Why

The popularity of online degree courses is growing rapidly providing a flexible learning experience for learners. Several universities and colleges offer a wide range of programmes in online mode, allowing students to balance their education with other commitments.

However, there are various fields where UGC has prohibited offering online degree courses. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has listed a set of precautionary guidelines for students pursuing online programmes and Online Distance Learning (ODL) programmes under its accredited institutions. In India, online degree courses are approved by UGC and only UGC-recognised universities offer courses in the online mode.

Latest: 10 Best NPTEL Online Courses

Recommended: 11 Best Short Term Job Oriented Courses

Don't Miss: 14+ Amazing Courses To Help You Become a Professional Wine Taster

This Story also Contains

1. Why Accreditation for Online Degree Courses?
2. List of Programmes Not Allowed for Online/ODL Admission
3. UGC Guidelines for Students Applying to Online Degree Programmes
4. List of Top Programmes to Pursue in Online Mode
5. Online Admission and Programme Mode

In this article, we will explore what are the disciplines where UGC is not permitted to offer programmes under online mode.

Why Accreditation for Online Degree Courses?

There are a wide range of online programmes available in various disciplines at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UGC, a statutory body of the government of India, provides accreditation to these programmes within the country. Accreditation ensures students receive quality education without compromising standards.

Accreditation adds credibility to an online degree, which not only helps in further education. In addition to this, employers also prefer candidates with degrees from accredited institutions.

Online programmes are designed for individuals who wish to learn at their own pace while working or without disrupting other commitments. These programmes enable students to join the lectures from anywhere and are not required to attend classes in person.

Also Read: 150+ UGC Approved Online Degree Courses by Top Universities

List of Programmes Not Allowed for Online/ODL Admission

UGC has listed a set of disciplines where offering programmes are prohibited under online mode. The following table highlights the list of programmes not allowed under Online/ODL modes of education.

In addition to these debarred courses, M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes in all disciplines are also prohibited from being offered through Open and Distance Learning and Online modes by higher educational institutions in India.

UGC Guidelines for Students Applying to Online Degree Programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set some guidelines for students pursuing online programmes under its accredited institutions. These UGC guidelines encourage students to stay vigilant and make informed decisions when enroling in online programmes offered by Indian institutions.

The guidelines ensure a standardised approach to the delivery and recognition of online programmes, fostering quality education and maintaining academic integrity across institutions. Students must adhere to the specified guidelines when applying for online degree courses, which are given below.

Verifying the Status Of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)

When researching which online programmes to pursue from an institution, students must verify the accreditation status of their preferred higher education institution. They should ask questions such as Is the institution UGC-recognised? Or Is the chosen online programme approved by UGC?

Additionally, students must check the status of institutions’ programmes available on the UGC website. They can visit the website to verify the UGC accreditation of their preferred institution.

Visiting the Official Website of HEIs

All recognised Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering programmes in Online or ODL modes must publish details on their official websites, including the admission process, Statutory Body approvals, and other relevant information about the programmes they provide.

Students should visit the official website of their institutions to gain the necessary information for enrolling in their desired online degree courses. They should also review details such as programme duration, key features, course fees, placement support, and other benefits offered by the institution.

There are some institutions, such as NMIMS Maharashtra and Sri Venkateshwara University, Andhra Pradesh, that do not have UGC approval to offer programmes under online and ODL modes for February 2024 academic session. So, it is essential for students to check the UGC website before making their decision regarding admission to online programmes in their chosen institution.

Also Read: Top 10 Indian Universities Offering Online Degrees

List of Top Programmes to Pursue in Online Mode

There are several programmes offered in online mode by top colleges in India. The following table highlights some of the key disciplines where students can pursue online programmes.

Online programmes in these disciplines have a duration of two to three years; three years for UG online courses and two years for PG online courses. By enrolling in their online degree courses, students gain the necessary knowledge and skills in their respective fields of study.

Also Read: UGC Approved Online Degree Courses – List of Institutes, Eligibility, Fees and Duration

Online Admission and Programme Mode

According to the UGC guidelines, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must conduct the online admission process transparently, ensuring that the entire process is handled through the institution only. UGC also recommends the establishment of Learning Support Centres, which should be directly managed by the HEIs, ensuring full ownership and control over all necessary components.

Conclusion

The UGC guidelines for online programmes emphasise the importance of accreditation and informed decision-making for students. With certain institutions and programmes prohibited from offering in online mode, it is crucial for learners to verify the institution’s status and UGC approval when choosing to pursue online programmes from top universities in India.