Fri Mar 14 12:00:59 UTC 2025: ## UGC Opens Applications for Online and Distance Learning Programs for 2025-26
**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the opening of applications for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) seeking to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and/or online programs for the 2025-26 academic year. The application window will be open from March 13th to April 3rd, 2025, with a hard copy submission deadline of April 15th, 2025.
Interested HEIs can apply online through the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal: [https://deb.ugc.ac.in/](https://deb.ugc.ac.in/). Hard copies of the application, original affidavit, and annexures should be submitted to the Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001. Further details, including application fees, are available on the DEB website.
The UGC emphasized that the submission of an application does not guarantee approval. All applications will be thoroughly reviewed against the standards outlined in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, and its amendments. While the online application portal remains open year-round for eligible HEIs offering online programs and Category-I HEIs offering ODL programs, this specific call is for programs commencing in July-August 2025.
First Piper 