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.
For more information, students and institutions can visit the UGC Distance Education Bureau website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in.
