UGC releases checklist for students joining Open and Distance Learning Programmes, Get Details Here

UGC’s Checklist of ODL Programmes: The University Grants Commission i.e. the apex regulator of universities in the country has released a detailed checklist for students with regards to joining Open and Distance Learning Programmes from various institutes. As part of the checklist, all learners have been advised to verify the details shared by the institute by visiting the official website. The guidelines have been released to help students understand the things they must check while enrolling for any distance learning programme. It also sets that basic expectations for institutions offering these programmes on their key deliverables and minimum requirements that they must fulfil as part of their academic offering.

Formal Notification Issued by UGC Secretary

The checklist for ODL Programmes has been issued in the form of a formal check list that has been issued by UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain. The checklist advises students on ensuring “that the minimum duration, nomenclature and qualification for degree programme under which they are enrolling is strict as per UGC notification on the specification of degrees and its amendments.” On similar lines, the checklist guidelines also say that “all activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) including admission, counselling sessions, contact programmes, programme delivery and examinations are strictly conducted within the territorial jurisdiction.”

No Franchise Agreements with Coaching Institutes

Among the key clauses of the checklist or guidelines issued by  UGC for Open and Distance Learning Programmes says that no university whether central, state, private or deemed to be university, is permitted to offer their programmes on franchise basis through a third party such as Coaching Centres.

Admission Process Via Headquarters

Another interesting guideline in the UGC Checklist asks students to ensure that admission process is managed and carried out through the headquarters of the HEIs in a transparent manner.

Verify All Details Before Joining

To avoid complications later, learners have been advised to ensure that all the claims and commitments that are being made by the institution as part of their academic offering are true. This can be done through their official website or via agencies with which these institutions are affiliated with. In case of any deviation or mismatch, the problem is to highlighted to the regulator and necessary punitive action as per provisions defined under respective regulations will be initiated against the institution.

Revised Academic Session

The guidelines also say that in the view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has decided that the revised academic session for this year as decided by the commission for ODL programmes, shall be kept as a period of 12 months starting from September-October, 2020 and February-March, 2021.