The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced a new enrollment procedure for students seeking admission to Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/Online Programmes, set to take effect from the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the admission process and ensure that students‘ interests are safeguarded. The UGC Chairman, Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, announced this new enrollment procedure, emphasizing its alignment with the UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which establish minimum standards for such programs.
One of the key reasons behind this new enrollment procedure is to address recent issues where unrecognized institutions have been admitting students, potentially putting their academic pursuits at risk. By implementing a standardized procedure, the UGC aims to provide a secure and reliable framework for students enrolling in ODL and Online Programmes.
To facilitate this new process, the UGC has developed a mechanism that requires students to register on the UGC-DEB web portal and create a unique DEB-ID using their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID. This DEB-ID will be mandatory for all students enrolling in recognized ODL/Online programs, with the exception of foreign learners, and will remain valid for their lifetime. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been urged to efficiently implement this new admission process and promote it to new learners to ensure successful adoption and operation.
For students interested in enrolling in ODL Programmes and Online Programmes, the registration process involves visiting the UGC’s DEB web portal and creating a unique DEB ID using their ABC-ID. Once the DEB-ID is generated on the web portal, it will remain valid for a lifetime. HEIs have been instructed to expedite the smooth implementation of this new mechanism for ODL and Online mode admissions by completing the necessary API integration process and promoting this initiative among new learners. Individuals can visit the official website of UGC DEB for any further inquiries or concerns.
In conclusion, the UGC’s new enrollment procedure for ODL and Online Programmes represents a significant step towards ensuring transparency and safeguarding students‘ interests in the higher education sector. By establishing a standardized process for admission, the UGC aims to create a more secure and reliable environment for students pursuing ODL and Online programs. Students and Higher Education Institutions are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this new procedure and actively participate in its implementation to benefit from its advantages.