UGC Warns EdTech Companies, HEIs On Franchise Arrangement; Advisory Issued For Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a stern note of some violations by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as well as other EdTechs as far as the Open and Distance Learning Programmes (ODL) and online programmes are concerned.

It has come to the notice of UGC that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspaper / social media/television etc. that they are offering degree and diploma programmes in ODL/Online modes in association with some universities/institutions recognized/entitled by the Commission.

UGC has clearly stated, “Such a franchise arrangement is not permissible and action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies as well as HEIs under applicable laws/ rules/ regulations.”

In its latest notice, the UGC has stated that Higher Educational Institutions are recognized/ declared entitled by the UGC for offering ODL and/or Online programmes as per the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendment.

The details of the HEIs and the programmes recognized by UGC is available on https://deb.ugc.ac.in.

The Regulations mandate that these HEIs shall not offer ODL and/or Online programme(s) under any franchise arrangement and the HEIs themselves are completely responsible for the programme(s).

The UGC has advised students to check the recognition/entitlement status of the programmes on UGC(DEB) website mentioned above before enrolling in any course.