New Delhi, Sept 1 (INB) The UGC has invited fresh applications from eligible higher educational institutions seeking recognition to offer programmes under open distance learning and online mode for its 2026-27 academic year, starting from January-February 2027 session.
Eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) can submit their online applications between September 1 and September 15 through the official portal deb.ugc.ac.in, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said in the statement on Monday.
The recognition process is governed under Regulation 3(A) and Regulation 3(B)(b) of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, along with its amendments, it stated.
The higher education regulator stated that the deadline for the physical submission of original affidavits and annexures is September 25, 2026. Hard copies must be delivered to the Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, located at 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001, it added. The Commission clarified that the application submission window remains open throughout the year on the portal for institutions entitled to offer online programmes and Category-I HEIs offering open and distance learning programmes(ODL). “The mere submission of an application should not be considered as grant of approval,” the notice emphasized, adding that all applications will undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with the standards laid down under the relevant UGC regulations, it added. Institutions have been advised to visit the Distance Education Bureau portal deb.ugc.ac.in/ to check the prescribed application fees and track further announcements.
