UGC allows online degrees, certificates and diplomas

With the University Grants Commission approving the UGC (Online Courses) Regulations, 2018, in its meeting on Thursday, higher educational institutions can now offer certificate, diploma and degree programmes in full-fledged online mode in line with their regular programmes.

An official release said only those disciplines in which qualifying institutions have already been offering the same or similar programmes/ courses at the undergraduate level in the regular mode (of classroom teaching), or in open and distance learning mode, approved by the statutory councils as applicable, and from which at least one batch has graduated, are eligible. A minimum National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) score of 3.26 on the 4-point scale is required.

However, online programmes requiring practical/laboratory courses as a curricular requirement are not permitted.

The release said that examinations would be conducted in the proctored mode and in conformity with any norms for such examinations stipulated by the UGC. Online learning courses shall necessarily have video lectures, e-content, self-assessment and discussion forums to clarify doubts.