The University Grants Commission (UGC) has permitted 900 autonomous colleges to offer online degree programmes. Up-till now only universities were permitted to offer remote degrees via online courses.
This decision has been taken to provide a wide learning opportunity to students. With this decision 900 autonomous colleges have secured top 100 ranks in their respective subject category twice in the preceding three rankings of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or having National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grade of a minimum of 3.26 would be allowed to start online degree courses. Colleges wouldn’t need prior approval from UGC but will be required to follow the regulations and guidelines issued by UGC.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will evaluate the students through an online proctored mode exam or computer-based test format and students will be required to have a minimum of 75% attendance in the online degree programmes similar to conventional degree courses.
UGC is expected to share a detailed framework in the month of March.