UGC Opens Applications for HEIs for Recognition to Offer Online, Distance Programmes for AY 2026-27
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited eligible higher educational institutions (HEIs) for the recognition to offer online and distance learning programmes for the academic year 2026-27, beginning January-February 2027 onwards. The universities can apply for the UGC recognition through the UGC-DEB website at deb.ugc.ac.in. The last date to submit the application is September 25, 2026.
This Story also Contains
- Important Dates
- UGC Notice
- UGC Approved Universities for Online and Distance Programmes - Statistics
As per the latest UGC notice, the online application window is open from September 1, 2026 to September 15, 2026. Institutions need to submit the hard copy for original affidavit and annexures till September 25, 2026.
Important Dates
HEIs can submit the application for the UGC recognition to offer online and distance programmes till September 25, 2026.
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
Academic Year | 2026-27 |
Academic Session | January- February, 2027 |
Online Application Window | September 1, 2026 - September 15, 2026 |
Hard copy submission Deadline for original affidavit & annexures | September 25, 2026 |
Application Portal | deb.ugc.ac.in |
UGC Notice
The UGC notice stated that the HEIs are requested to visit the UGC DEB website for the prescribed application fee and for further updates/ announcements in this regard.
Note:-
The application submission window is opened throughout the year at deb.ugc.ac.in for HEIs entitled to offer Online programmes and Category-I HEIs to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes.
The mere submission of an application should not be considered as grant of approval and that all application(s) shall be subject to scrutiny with respect to the standards stipulated in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments.
Explore UGC-Approved Online Degrees in India
UGC Approved Universities for Online and Distance Programmes - Statistics
For the academic year 2026-27, session August 2026, a total of 121 universities have been entitled to offer full-fledged online programmes, which was 113 in academic year 2025-26, session August 2025.
Statistics for Online Programmes (2021-22 to 2026-27)
| Academic Year | Academic Session | Number of UGC-Entitled HEIs |
|---|---|---|
2021-22 | January and July | 56 |
2022-23 | July-August and January-February | 68 |
2023-24 | July-August, 2023 | 79 |
February, 2024 | 83 | |
2024-25 | July-August, 2024 | 95 |
February 2025 | 97 | |
2025-26 | July-August, 2025 | 113 |
February 2026 | 121 | |
2026-27 | August 2026 | 121 |
Currently, more than 750 online programmes are entitled by UGC at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Candidates interested in pursuing online and distance programmes can apply by October 16, 2026.
