UGC’s New Rules: A Lifeline for Distance and Online Learners in 2024
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a set of new regulations to safeguard the interests of students enrolling in distance and online learning programs in India. These rules, which came into effect in September 2024, aim to ensure quality education, transparency, and accountability in the distance and online learning landscape.
Key Provisions of the New UGC Regulations
Mandatory DEB-ID for Students:
Registration Requirement: All Indian students (except foreign learners) must register on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) web portal using their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID to obtain a unique DEB-ID.
Lifelong Validity: This DEB-ID will remain valid for lifelong learning in distance and online modes.
Purpose: The DEB-ID ensures that students enroll only in approved Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering ODL and online programs.
Revised Admission Procedure:
Transparent Process: The UGC has established a transparent admission process for ODL and online programs.
HEI Approval: Students must enroll in HEIs that are recognized or entitled to offer ODL and online programs.
DEB-ID Verification: Institutions must verify the DEB-ID of students before admitting them.
Accreditation Requirement: All institutions offering distance and online programs must be accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) or the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
Program Approval: Institutions must obtain prior approval from the UGC for all distance and online programs they offer.
Learner Support Services:
Counseling and Mentorship: Institutions should provide counseling and mentorship services to students to help them navigate their studies and address any challenges.
Technical Support: Adequate technical support should be provided to students to ensure that they have access to the necessary resources and can effectively participate in online learning.
Faculty Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: Teachers involved in distance and online programs must meet the minimum qualification requirements specified by the UGC.
Faculty Development: Institutions must provide opportunities for faculty development to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge.
Examination and Evaluation:
Fair and Transparent Examinations: Examinations conducted for distance and online programs must be fair, transparent, and conducted in accordance with UGC guidelines.
Evaluation Criteria: Clear evaluation criteria should be communicated to students to ensure that their performance is assessed objectively.
The new UGC regulations have several benefits for students enrolling in distance and online learning programs:
Quality Assurance: The regulations ensure that students receive quality education from accredited institutions.
Student Protection: The mandatory DEB-ID and revised admission procedure safeguard students from enrolling in unapproved institutions.
Transparency: The regulations promote transparency in the admission process and fee structure.
Learner Support: The learner support services provide students with the necessary assistance to succeed in their studies.
In conclusion, the new UGC regulations represent a significant step forward in safeguarding the interests of students enrolled in distance and online learning programs in India, these regulations aim to create a conducive environment for students to pursue their academic goals.
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