UGC Recognised Universities For ODL Programmes 2025-26: Complete List, Approved Programmes
Distance education in India has been transformative for millions of students over the years. It has enabled flexible, affordable and accessible education to both students and working professionals. 45.61 lakh students enrolled through distance mode in higher education by 2021-22. Distance learning programmes are regulated by the University Grants Commission Distance Education Bureau (UGC DEB).
With the number of students in distance education continuously growing, UGC releases the list of higher educational institutions (HEIs) offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes every year. The UGC has recognised 101 universities to offer ODL programmes for academic year 2025-26, academic session beginning July-August, 2025.
UGC-Recognised Universities for ODL Programmes (2025–26)
The list of UGC-recognised universities for open and distance learning programmes include central universities, state universities, private universities, deemed to be, and open universities that comply with the UGC’s quality benchmarks and academic standards.
Central Universities
| University Name | Number of Programmes Approved |
|---|---|
National Sanskrit University | 8 |
Rajiv Gandhi University | 13 |
Tezpur University | 3 |
University Of Delhi | 16 |
Jamia Millia Islamia | 18 |
Central University Of Haryana | 3 |
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya | 5 |
Pondicherry University | 20 |
Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad | 15 |
State Universities
University Name | Number of Programmes Approved |
|---|---|
Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur | 23 |
Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyala Yam, Tirupati | 4 |
Yogi Vemana University | 8 |
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | 1 |
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati | 17 |
Gauhati University | 7 |
Panjab University | 14 |
Guru Jambeshwar University Of Science & Technology | 10 |
Maharshi Dayanand University | 13 |
Himachal Pradesh University | 16 |
University of Kashmir | 9 |
University Of Jammu | 13 |
Calicut University | 25 |
Kerala University | 23 |
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | 2 |
Jiwaji University | 7 |
Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya | 16 |
Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Womens University | 18 |
Shivaji University | 11 |
University Of Mumbai | 22 |
Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University | 4 |
Sambalpur University | 3 |
Utkal University | 15 |
Fakir Mohan University | 22 |
Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (Erstwhile North Orissa University) | 5 |
Punjabi University | 23 |
Annamalai University | 25 |
Anna University, Chennai | 3 |
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli | 41 |
Manonmania M Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli | 21 |
University Of Madras, Chennai | 35 |
Mother Teresa Women’s University | 11 |
Bharathiar University | 14 |
Periyar University | 9 |
Kakatiya University | 28 |
Rabindra Bharati University | 11 |
University Of Kalyani | 8 |
University Of North Bengal | 8 |
University Of Burdwan | 7 |
State Open Universities
| University Name | Number of Programmes Approved |
|---|---|
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University | 30 |
Nalanda Open University | 31 |
Pt. Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University | 22 |
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad | 16 |
Jharkhand State Open University | 5 |
Karnataka State Open University | 40 |
Sreenarayanaguru Open University | 30 |
M. P. Bhoj (Open) University | 45 |
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | 41 |
Odisha State Open University | 19 |
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University | 11 |
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | 24 |
Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai | 29 |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University | 26 |
Mata Tripura Sundari Open University | 8 |
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University | 30 |
Uttarakhand Open University | 50 |
Netaji Subhas Open University | 35 |
Private Universities
| University Name | Number of Programmes Approved |
|---|---|
Dr. C. V. Raman University | 11 |
Mats University | 7 |
Gokul Global University | 5 |
Shoolini University Of Biotechnology And Management Sciences | 4 |
Arka Jain University | 2 |
MIT Art Design Technology University | 7 |
Guru Jambeshwar University Of Science & Technology | 10 |
Sri Sri University | 5 |
Chandigarh University | 8 |
Lovely Professional University | 19 |
Desh Bhagat University | 6 |
Suresh Gyan Vihar University | 11 |
Jagannath University | 5 |
Jaipur National University | 11 |
Vivekananda Global University | 5 |
Amity University | 3 |
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | 21 |
Mangalayatan University | 17 |
Integral University | 1 |
Teerthanker Mahaveer University | 16 |
IIMT University | 7 |
University Of Patanjali | 5 |
Deemed To Be Universities
| University Name | Number of Programmes Approved |
|---|---|
Jamia Hamdard | 2 |
Jain (Deemed To Be University) | 11 |
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhann Samsthana | 4 |
International Institute For Population Sciences (Deemed To Be University) | 1 |
Jain Vishva Bharati Institute | 9 |
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai | 3 |
Kalasalingam Academy Of Research And Higher Education, Srivilliputtar | 4 |
Sathyabama Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai | 4 |
Vel’s Institute Of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (Vistas) | 5 |
Academy Of Maritime Education And Training | 3 |
Sri Chandrasekh Arendra Saraswati Vishwa Mahavidyalaya | 2 |
ICFAI Foundation For Higher Education (Deemed To Be University) | 2 |
Shobhit Institute Of Engineering & Technology | 4 |
The rise of digital technology and policy support from government initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, open and distance learning programmes have gained significant momentum in recent years. From undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to diploma courses, several universities are at the forefront of providing diverse ODL programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before enrolling in distance learning programmes, students must consider their universities’ recognition validity, programme approval status, student support services and examination centres.
Yes, several universities offer professional and technical courses in ODL mode such as MBA, MSc, MCA, BBA, and BCA.
IGNOU, Anna University, and Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning (SCDL) are among the best universities for distance education in India.
You can verify the recognition status of your university through the official UGC DEB portal. The UGC DEB updates the lists of approved universities and their programmes’ recognition periods.
Distance learning programmes from UGC-recognised universities are valid for employment, government examinations, and higher education.