Universities in India offering distance-learning courses will now enroll students twice a year, i.e., January session and July session. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formally laid down rules and regulations in this regard.
According to the official data of UGC, 1.5 million students had registered for UG and PG distance and open learning courses in 2018. The distance and open learning courses have always been popular in India. However, there is a need to streamline the guidelines pertaining to these courses, indicated a UGC official.
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In order to enable UGC recognised universities to enroll students in distance and open learning courses twice a year, the UGC has come up with certain guidelines. Such a move shall offer more flexibility to aspirants, as they can opt for distance and open learning courses either in January or July session. The admission process for the January session should conclude by February while the admission process for the July session must conclude by August, UGC stated.
So far, UGC has recognised 1,309 distance and open learning programmes offered by 81 universities across the country. More universities will be added to the list of UGC recognised varsities for distance learning programmes soon.
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Further, UGC has directed all the universities to upload the details of students enrolled in various courses within 10 days of the last date of admissions.
Already, IGNOU is offering admissions in UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and PGD programmes twice a year.
For the latest updates on distance and open learning courses admissions, stay tuned to CollegeDekho.