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UGC introduces new enrollment process for 2024-25 ODL and online programmes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced that 11 projects, with a total investment of Rs 696.47 crore, are currently underway to boost the state’s tourism sector.

While presiding over a meeting of the Tourism Department on Tuesday evening, the Chief Minister stated that tenders have been invited for all these projects, which are aimed at increasing tourist influx in the state.

“Tourism is a key sector for our economy, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families directly or indirectly,” he said, emphasising the importance of enhancing the overall tourism experience in the state and creating new infrastructure.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the projects include a Convention Centre at Dharamshala, which is being constructed with an outlay of Rs 161.91 crore.

Additionally, the beautification of Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan will be undertaken for Rs 95.50 crore, a wellness centre will be built at Nadaun with an investment of Rs 91.42 crore, tourist facilities will be developed at Baba Balaknath Deothsidh in Hamirpur district for Rs 65.32 crore, and a rafting complex will be established at Nadaun with a budget of Rs 64 crore.

Other projects include the construction of a wellness centre at Banuti in Shimla district for Rs 58.37 crore, a wellness centre at Manali with an estimated cost of Rs 45.25 crore, an Ice Skating cum Roller Skating Rink at Dharamshala for Rs 39.51 crore, the development of an Ice Skating cum Roller Skating Rink at Shimla for Rs 34.85 crore, a wellness centre at Kullu with an outlay of Rs 27.76 crore, and the restoration of Naggar Castle in Kullu district for Rs 11.57 crore.

The Chief Minister directed the officers to expedite the projects and ensure their completion within the stipulated time.

The state government has declared Kangra district the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, and necessary tourism infrastructure is being developed to facilitate visitors.

The Pong Dam is being transformed into an internationally renowned “birder’s paradise” and will become a national centre of excellence in water sports.

Additionally, the expansion of Kangra Airport is expected to attract high-end tourists to the region, CM Sukhu stated.

The Chief Minister also informed that the number of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh has significantly increased, reaching 1.13 crore by July 2024.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new enrollment procedure for students seeking admission to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programmes for the academic year 2024-25. Effective from September 2024, this change aims to ensure that students enrol only in approved Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering ODL and online programmes, thereby enhancing transparency in the admissions process, stated UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar.

“The UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 set the minimum standards for such programmes, and 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 this 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 Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID”, the UGC chairman said.

“This DEB-ID will be 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 implement this new admission process efficiently and promote it to new learners to ensure successful adoption and operation,” the chairman added.

The UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 stipulate the minimum standards for offering programmes in open and distance learning mode and online mode by higher educational institutions. Accordingly, the year-wise list of universities recognised/entitled by the Commission to offer programmes in ODL/Online mode is available in the public domain on the UGC Distance Education Bureau website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in/, according to the UGC.

It recently came to the notice of the Commission that a few HEIs admitted students into unrecognised ODL/Online programmes, thereby jeopardising the students’ futures. To address such incidents and to increase transparency in ODL and online mode admissions, the Commission, in its 581st meeting held on June 25, 2024, decided to standardise the admission procedure for students enrolling in ODL and Online modes to safeguard their academic future and career prospects.

Accordingly, the UGC has developed a mechanism for a transparent admission process wherein any student intending to enrol in ODL/Online Programmes must register on the UGC-DEB web portal (URL: https://deb.ugc.ac.in/ and https://deb.ugc.ac.in/StudentDebId) with their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID to generate a unique DEB-ID, according to the UGC.

All stakeholders are hereby informed that the creation of a DEB-ID will be required for every student (except foreign learners) willing to eenrolin ODL/Online programmes in rerecognisedntitled HEIs from the academic year 2024-25, starting in September 2024 (revised from July-August 2024) and onwards. The DEB-ID, once generated on the UGC-DEB web portal, will remain valid for lifelong ODL/Online learning, according to the UGC.

All Higher Educational Institutions are requested to expedite the smooth implementation of the new mechanism for ODL and Online mode admissions by completing the requisite API integration process and promoting this initiative among new learners to ensure its successful implementation, according to the UGC.

For any further inquiries or concerns, learners can contact the Helpdesk established on the website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in/, according to the UGC.

NEW DELHI, India, 2025 – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new enrollment process for students applying to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programs for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative, effective from April 2025, is designed to ensure that students enroll only in recognized Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), enhancing the transparency and integrity of the admissions process.

UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar explained that this move addresses growing concerns about unrecognized institutions admitting students into unauthorized programs, putting their academic credentials at risk. “The UGC (ODL Programs and Online Programs) Regulations, 2020, set the standards for these programs. A list of recognized institutions is available on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website,” said Kumar.

DEB-ID: UGC Introduces New Enrollment Process

Central to the new process is the introduction of a unique DEB-ID, linked to each student’s Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID. This DEB-ID will be mandatory for all students enrolling in recognized ODL or Online programs, with the exception of foreign learners, and will remain valid for a lifetime. The UGC has directed all HEIs to implement this system promptly to ensure a seamless and transparent admission process.

“To prevent issues with unrecognized ODL/Online programs and to protect students’ interests, the UGC’s decision on June 25, 2025, standardized the admission process for these programs. The DEB-ID, generated on the UGC-DEB web portal, will be crucial for this new system,” Kumar added.

About the Distance Education Bureau (DEB)

The Distance Education Bureau (DEB) under UGC is responsible for regulating ODL and Online Programs across India. The DEB ensures that institutions offering these programs meet UGC’s stringent standards, safeguarding the quality and integrity of remote education. Its role is vital in expanding access to higher education while maintaining rigorous academic standards across the nation.

Impact UGC Introduces New Enrollment Process

This new enrollment procedure is expected to reduce the incidence of students enrolling in unrecognized programs, thereby protecting their educational and career prospects. HEIs are encouraged to expedite the required API integration and actively promote this initiative among prospective students to ensure widespread adoption.

Addressing Previous Issues

UGC Introduces New Enrollment Process for students who are being admitted to unrecognized programs, raising concerns about the validity of their qualifications. The 2020 UGC regulations were designed to set clear standards for ODL and online programs, and this new enrollment process strengthens adherence to these guidelines.

The UGC’s new enrollment process is a significant step toward protecting students and ensuring the quality of ODL and Online education in India. As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, students and institutions must adapt to this system to ensure a smooth and transparent admissions experience.

Andhra University launches B.Tech in Quantum Computing with 30 seats via AP EAPCET

BTech in Quantum Computing has been launched (30 seats via AP EAPCET), taught by faculty across engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science.....

Andhra University (AU) has become one of the first Indian universities to offer a full undergraduate degree in Quantum Computing. The Academic Senate recently approved the new four-year B.Tech program, admitting the first batch of 30 students via AP EAPCET in 2025?26 

Andhra University has launched a new?B. Tech in Quantum Computing program for the academic year 2025–26,

admitting 30 students via AP EAPCET. Hosted by the Electronics & Communication Engineering department, it’s taught by faculty from multiple disciplines. The program includes AI and quantum minor courses, extensive practical labs, and project-based learning. This adds to AU’s broader academic update, including reinstated MTech courses in Atmospheric & Ocean Sciences, a PG Diploma in Aquaculture, dual degree options, and a shift to semester exams for distance education PG courses. The move aligns with the Andhra Pradesh government's “Quantum Valley” initiative and ties into broader curriculum reforms led by APSCHE and industry partners like IBM, TCS, and DST.

? Why This Matters:

Rarer in India: Few colleges currently offer a dedicated undergraduate degree in quantum computing.

Industry-Tied Curriculum: Designed with support from APSCHE, DST, IBM, TCS, and IITs for practical relevance.

Emerging Quantum Valley Strategy: Connects with the state’s plan to build a Quantum Valley in Amaravati, positioning AU at the center of Andhra Pradesh’s tech ambitions

???? Summary Table

Bhopal | August 2025

The Higher Education Department of Madhya Pradesh has officially started the admission process for the academic year 2025-26 across all undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), diploma, certificate, and online/distance learning programs. This initiative covers both government and private colleges affiliated with top state universities and recognized open/distance learning institutions.

Key Highlights:

 UG & PG Admissions:-

• Centralized online portal: www.admissionenquiry.com

• Courses: B.A, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, M.A, M.Com, M.Sc, MBA, MCA

• Application Deadline (Phase 1): August 10, 2025

• Eligibility: Class 12th (UG) | UG Degree (PG)

• Admission through merit (no entrance test for most courses)

? Top Government Universities Participating:

• Barkatullah University, Bhopal

• Jiwaji University, Gwalior

• Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur

• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore

• Awadhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa

Online & Distance Education Opportunities

Students across MP and India can now access flexible learning modes via UGC-DEB-approved open and online universities, offering valid degrees from home.

????? Approved Universities Offering Online/Distance Courses in MP: