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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional PG counselling round in state colleges and grant?in?aid institutions begins July?31–August?3. Interviews on August?5, seat allotment on August?6–7, fee payment deadline August?14.......
Indore: Department of Higher Education (DHE) on Wednesday announced an additional college-level counselling round for postgraduate admissions in Madhya Pradesh. The schedule applies to govt and grant-in-aid private colleges across the state.
An order issued from the office of the commissioner of higher education states, online registrations and applications for an additional college-level counselling round will begin from July 31. Document verification for the registered candidates will also start the same day and continue until Aug 3, 2025.
Students who apply for subjects other than the designated major-minor combinations will have to appear for interviews. The date, time, and venue of interviews will be shared on Aug 4 by DHE. Interviews and eligibility data entry on the portal will take place on Aug 5, 2025.
-> Patliputra University UG application window extended to August?4..................
Missed Admission? UGC Open Admissions January, February, and July, August 2025.......
Missed your chance to apply in July 2024? Don’t worry, you can now take admissions in January 2025. UGC allows universities to open admissions twice a year, once in January/February and again in July/August. The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced a new policy in June 2024 that allows Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to admit students twice a year. This means you no longer have to wait an entire year to start your higher education journey.
India’s higher education system is changing to meet the growing demand for quality education. Usually, colleges and universities in India have had one admission cycle, starting in July or August and ending in May or June. However, with the vision of becoming a global knowledge economy and achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced strategic measures to enhance accessibility and flexibility in education.
One such initiative is the biannual admissions policy approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This policy enables HEIs to admit students twice a year—in July/August and January/February. Let’s explore what this policy means for students, institutions, and the overall higher education in India.
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What Is the Biannual Admission Policy?
The UGC biannual admission policy, approved during its 580th meeting, provides HEIs with the option to conduct admissions twice a year. While adopting this system is not mandatory, it depends on an institution’s readiness in terms of infrastructure, teaching resources, and administrative capabilities.
This flexibility allows HEIs to admit students in two cycles, giving more students the opportunity to access higher education throughout the year.
Understanding HEIs in India
HEI in India stands for Higher Education Institutions. These are colleges, universities, and other institutions that offer education. The term ‘higher education’ refers to tertiary-level education provided after 12 years of schooling. These institutions provide diverse learning options through regular, distance, and online modes of education, catering to the needs of different types of learners.
HEIs in India offer a wide range of courses across various fields, including undergraduate programs like BBA, BA, BCom, and postgraduate programs such as MBA, MCom, and MCA. They also offer doctoral programs (PhD) in various disciplines.
Courses in engineering, medicine, law, and business are also available, helping students achieve their educational and career goals. HEIs play a key role in developing skilled professionals and contributing to the country’s education system.
LAST DATE OF FORM SUBMISSION FOR PG COURSES AUG 6, PG........Jul 31, 2025, 20:58 IST
Patna:
Patna University (PU) has extended the last date for submission of online applications for postgraduate (PG) courses — both conventional and self-financed — from July 31 to August 6, 2025.
The decision to extend the deadline was made in light of the delayed results of final-year undergraduate (UG) students from various universities in Bihar, as well as some of PU’s own students whose results were declared late.
According to PU admission nodal officer Rajneesh Kumar, the university has already received around 6,000 applications for various PG courses. There are a total of 1,803 seats available in 29 regular PG courses and 807 seats in 18 self-financed PG courses.
The UG admission process at PU has already been completed, and classes have commenced. Students have started attending classes regularly, the official added.
Patna:
Nalanda Open University (NOU), Bihar’s only distance?education provider, has decided to revise and upgrade its Self?Learning Materials (SLMs) across disciplines to meet the standards mandated by the University Grants Commission’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
The decision was announced at a meeting hosted at the university’s headquarters in Nalanda, chaired by Vice?Chancellor Rabindra Kumar. At the meeting, subject coordinators and academic experts acknowledged significant shortcomings in the existing study materials and agreed to undertake comprehensive revisions. The upgrades will follow recommendations from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and ensure alignment with the Choice?Based Credit System (CBCS) syllabi, especially for undergraduate courses
Former NOU and Patna University Vice?Chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that students were not enrolling in undergraduate programs due to substandard materials. He called for immediate action to restore DEB recognition and restart admissions to UG courses
Singh also noted NOU’s pivotal role in enhancing Bihar’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education by offering accessible distance education to students from economically disadvantaged regions. While infrastructure has improved, he argued academic quality must catch up to fulfill the university’s mission
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
University | Nalanda Open University (NOU), Bihar |
Focus of Change | Self?Learning Materials (SLMs) across subjects |
Objective | Secure UGC?DEB recognition for UG programs |
Policy Alignment | Curriculum update per NEP 2020; CBCS adoption |
Why the Change? | Existing SLMs considered inadequate; admissions halted |
Leadership Views |
VC Rabindra Kumar and former VC Rash Bihari Prasad Singh, plus subject coordinators |
Undergraduate admissions at NOU may resume once revised SLMs meet UGC?DEB quality benchmarks.
The update is expected to improve student experience and academic standards across NOU’s distance?learning offerings.
Aligning with CBCS and NEP 2020 will enhance the credibility of NOU degrees.
Based on recent coverage by Times of India (July 2025) regarding NOU’s decision to upgrade its distance education materials for UGC recognition.
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
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Program | B.Tech in Quantum Computing |
Seats | 30 per batch (AY 2025–26) |
Admission Mode | AP EAPCET (AP engineering entrance exam) |
Admin Dept. | Electronics & Communication Engineering |
Faculty Contributors | ECE, Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Instrumentation |
Curriculum Goals | Quantum + AI minors; lab & project focus |
Program Fees | Self-financing (~?79,000/year) |
Additional Launches | MTech (Atmospheric/Ocean Science), PG Diploma (Aquaculture), dual degrees |
AU is reintroducing M.Tech programs in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
A one-year PG Diploma in Aquaculture approved via the Marine Living Resources department.
University will offer dual-degree options, and distance?education PG courses will shift from annual to semester exams.
Internships and project-based learning have been enhanced in science departments.
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.
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
Students across MP and India can now access flexible learning modes via UGC-DEB-approved open and online universities, offering valid degrees from home.
University Name | Mode | Courses Offered | Approval |
---|---|---|---|
MP Bhoj Open University (Bhopal) | Distance | BA, BCom, MA, MCom, BEd | UGC-DEB |
IGNOU Study Centres in MP | Distance + Online | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate | UGC-DEB |
SAGE University | Online | UG & PG in Management & IT | AICTE, UGC |
LNCT University | Online | BBA, MBA, MCA, M.Sc | UGC |
People’s University | Online | Allied health, Science, Commerce | UGC |
Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), Bhopal | Online/ODL | BA, BCom, MA, MCom, Diploma | UGC-DEB |
Visit: https://www.admissionenquiry.com
Select desired course/college
Upload documents & pay registration fee (~?100)
Merit list publication dates: August 12 (1st list), August 17 (2nd list)
Activity | Date |
---|---|
Online Form Filling Ends (UG) | August 10, 2025 |
Document Verification | August 11–12 |
1st Merit List | August 12 |
Distance/Online Program Last Date | September 15, 2025 |
MP Bhoj Open University Admission Last Date | September 30, 2025 |
New Delhi: Medical aspirants across the country should gear up as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2025 is expected to be announced by December 2024. The exam will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the traditional pen-and-paper (offline) mode.
NEET UG is the sole entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and other undergraduate medical and AYUSH courses across India. The exam is taken by over 20 lakh candidates every year, making it one of the most competitive exams in the country.
Key Highlights:
The official information bulletin will be available on the NTA website nta.ac.in and neet.nta.nic.in, where candidates can apply and access details about syllabus, pattern, and guidelines.
Exam Name: NEET UG 2025
Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)
Expected Notification: December 2024
Courses Offered: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS
Eligibility: 12th Pass with PCB (Minimum age: 17 years)
New Delhi: The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is expected to be officially announced in January or February 2025. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for admission into Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programs across India.
GPAT scores are accepted by AICTE-approved institutions, universities, and affiliated colleges, and are also used for awarding scholarships and financial assistance for postgraduate pharmacy education.
Key Highlights:
Exam Name: GPAT 2025
Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Expected Notification: January–February 2025
Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
Purpose: Admission to M.Pharm & Scholarship Qualification
The official notification and application form will be released on the NTA’s website at gpat.nta.nic.in. Candidates are advised to stay updated with the website for syllabus, exam pattern, and registration dates.
Last Updated: Jul 29, 2025, 02:12:00 PM IST
India is transitioning from a multi-tier grading system to a simplified binary model: institutions will be classified as either “accredited” or “not accredited.” This reform, unveiled on NEP 2020’s fifth anniversary, is expected to ensure consistent minimum standards nationwide and reduce bureaucratic complexity.
Marking five years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Centre is set to announce a major reform in the accreditation system for higher education institutions by shifting to a binary model - 'accredited' or 'not accredited' - replacing the existing multi-tiered grading system. This means institutions will no longer be ranked against each other but assessed against uniform minimum standards.
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