UGC Introduces New Admission Process for ODL and Online Programmes for 2024-25

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a new admission procedure for students applying to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programmes for the academic year 2024-25. Effective from September 2024, this initiative is designed to ensure enrolment in approved Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and promote transparency in the admissions process, according to UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar.

In response to issues with unrecognised institutions admitting students, the UGC has implemented a mechanism requiring students to register on the UGC-DEB web portal and create a unique DEB-ID using their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID. This DEB-ID is mandatory for all students enrolling in recognised ODL/Online programmes, except for foreign learners, and will remain valid for their lifetime. "HEIs are urged to efficiently implement this new admission process and promote it to new learners to ensure successful adoption and operation," stated the UGC Chairman.

The UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, establish the minimum standards for such programmes. A list of recognised institutions is available on the UGC Distance Education Bureau website. Recent issues with unrecognised institutions admitting students highlighted the need for a standardised procedure. To safeguard student interests, the UGC has developed a mechanism requiring students to register on the UGC-DEB web portal and create a unique DEB-ID using their ABC-ID.

From the academic year 2024-25, starting September 2024, the creation of a DEB-ID will be mandatory for every student (except foreign learners) intending to enrol in ODL/Online programmes at recognised/entitled HEIs. Once generated, the DEB-ID will remain valid for lifelong ODL/Online learning.

The UGC has identified instances where some HEIs admitted students into unrecognised ODL/Online programmes, jeopardising their future. To prevent such incidents and increase transparency in ODL and online mode admissions, the Commission decided in its 581st meeting on June 25, 2024, to standardise the admission procedure for these modes.

Consequently, UGC has developed a mechanism for a transparent admission process, requiring any student who intends to enrol in ODL/Online Programmes to register on the UGC-DEB web portal with their ABC-ID to generate a unique DEB-ID. This measure ensures that only recognised institutions can admit students into these programmes.

All Higher Educational Institutions are requested to facilitate the smooth implementation of this new mechanism by integrating necessary APIs and promoting this initiative among new learners. This step is crucial to ensure its successful adoption.