Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Edited By Vivek Kumar | Updated on May 19, 2025 05:24 PM IST | #MBA

As per UGC guidelines, technical degrees in online mode are not valid in India. The UGC guidelines emphasise accreditation, quality assurance, and the recognition of technical degrees. Though UGC approves institutes to offer online degree courses, it also does not allow technical degrees such as B.Tech and M.Tech to be offered through online mode.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why are Online Technical Degrees Not Valid in India?
  2. Programmes That are Not Valid in Online Mode
  3. Online Technical Degrees For Working Professionals
Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?
Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Online degrees in India are growing with their flexibility and accessibility. However, concerns about credibility remain, especially for technical degrees in online mode. Students must verify whether the online programme they choose is UGC-recognised in order to ensure its credibility in the job market. UGC-recognised universities use advanced learning management systems and digital tools, allowing students to complete their degrees from the comfort of their homes.

Why are Online Technical Degrees Not Valid in India?

Technical degrees demand a combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. These courses equip students with industry-specific skills, preparing them to become job-ready professionals. For example, a programme such as B.Tech emphasises industry-focused learning, providing students with hands-on practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

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As the curriculum of a technical programme includes laboratory classes and practical learning designed to develop specific skills, UGC has prohibited institutions from offering technical degrees in online mode. This is because technical skills such as database management, machine learning, cloud computing, and programming cannot be learned virtually.

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Also Read: Think Twice! These Online Programs Could Be a Waste of Your Time and Money

Programmes That are Not Valid in Online Mode

While learning advanced technical skills requires guidance and expert mentoring, UGC has issued a list of technical programmes in India that cannot be pursued online. The table below highlights the streams where technical programmes are prohibited from being offered in an online mode:

Engineering

Law

Medical

Architecture

Physiotherapy

Horticulture

Occupational Therapy and other Para-Medical disciplines

Hotel Management

Pharmacy

Catering Technology

Nursing

Culinary Services

Dental

Aircraft Maintenance and Aviation

Agriculture

Visual Arts and Sports

Tourism and Hospitality Management

Yoga

Other Technical Degrees Not Valid Online

As per UGC guidelines, M.Phil and Ph.D. in all disciplines are prohibited from being offered in online mode by higher educational institutions in India. These programmes involve in-person interactions, hands-on learning, specialised equipment, or fieldwork that cannot be delivered in an online setting.

Therefore, if any student is looking to apply for these degree programmes in an online mode, he or she should first verify the UGC and AICTE approval status and then visit the official website of their chosen institute to confirm additional details.

Also Read: UGC Approved Online Degree Courses – List of Institutes, Eligibility, Fees and Duration

Online Technical Degrees For Working Professionals

Several top institutes offer technical degrees through a blended mode. These are Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) and are particularly designed for working professionals to enhance their technical skills without comprising their jobs.

Institutes such as BITS Pilani, Shri Venkateshwara University, Lingaya's Vidyapeeth, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, offer Online B.Tech and Online M.Tech under the Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP). Working professionals must fulfil the specific eligibility criteria defined by these institutes to join an online technical course.

Additionally, candidates should review the course curriculum to ensure that it aligns with their career goals and technical aspirations.

Also Read: Online MBA after B.Tech: Is It Worth It?

Online education in India caters to students from different needs and backgrounds. However, students must carefully choose UGC-approved online courses to ensure credibility and value in the job market.

While online technical degrees are prohibited from being pursued in online degree due to practical, hands-on learning requirements, Work Integrated Learning Programmes provide a balanced approach for working professionals to upskill themselves without disrupting their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are online technical courses not valid in India?

Technical courses require hands-on training, specialised equipment, and in-person mentoring, which cannot be fulfilled in virtual class environments.

2. What should students check before enrolling in online programmes?

Students should verify UGC accreditation status, course credibility, eligibility criteria, and other programme details on the institute's official website.

3. Are online degrees recognised by employers in India?

Yes, UGC-approved online degrees are recognised by employers, provided the programme meets industry standards.

4. Can I pursue an engineering course online?

An engineering degree like online BTech is not accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Thus, an engineering course cannot be pursued in online mode.

5. Can working professionals pursue online technical degrees in India?

Yes, working professionals can pursue online B.Tech and online M.Tech programmes under Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP).

6. Which institutes offer online technical courses?

Institutes such as BITS Pilani, Shri Venkateshwara University, and Lingaya Vidyapeeth University offer WILP B.Tech and M.Tech programmes.

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