UGC Inviting Applications From HEIs For Offering Open, Distance Learning Courses

A notice requesting online applications from qualified Higher Educational Institutions (HEls) to offer programs under Online mode and/or Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode for the academic year 2025–2026 has been released by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Applications are being accepted for the July–August 2025 academic year.

On March 13, 2025, the online application period will commence, and it will end on April 3, 2025. The original affidavit and annexures must be submitted in physical copy by April 15, 2025. A hard copy of the application can be turned in by HEIs interested in the programs at the Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, 35, Feroze Shah Road. 110001 New Delhi 
Portal for applications: https://deb.ugc.ac.in/

The prescribed application cost and additional information and updates regarding this matter can be found on the DOC DEB website at https://deb.uge.ac.in/. 
According to an official UGC notice, "UGC invites fresh online applications from eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEls) as per Regulation 3(A) and Regulation 3(B)(b) of UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations. 2020 and its amendments for recognition of programmes under Open and Distance Learning (ODI) mode and/or online mode for academic year 2025-26, academic session beginning July-August. 2025 and onwards."

For HEls eligible to provide online programs and Category-I HEIs eligible to offer accessible and Distance Learning (ODL) programs, the application submission window is accessible all year round at https://deb.uge.ac.in/. 
The UGC also stated that every application should be examined in light of the requirements outlined in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programs and Online Programs) Regulations 2020 and its amendments, and that the simple act of submitting an application should not be interpreted as approval.