Archive · 15 Aug 2025
UGC Bans Online Healthcare Programs; Warns Against Foreign Tie-Ups
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is telling universities to stop offering healthcare-related courses, like those in psychology and nutrition, through online or distance learning starting in July 2025.
This decision follows a meeting in July 2025 and applies to programs under the NCAHP Act.
Universities must remove these courses from their online offerings.
Additionally, the UGC is reminding everyone not to partner with foreign schools without permission, as those degrees won't be valid in India.
UGC directs universities to cease healthcare and allied programs in ODL/online mode.
The ban applies to programs governed by the NCAHP Act, including Psychology and Microbiology.
The decision was made at the UGC's 592nd meeting on July 23, 2025.
Institutions must withdraw healthcare-related specializations from 2025-26.
UGC also reiterated warnings against unapproved collaborations with foreign educational providers.
- Who
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- What
- UGC mandates discontinuation of healthcare programs in ODL/online modes and warns against unapproved foreign collaborations.
- When
- The decision regarding healthcare programs starts from the academic session beginning July-August 2025. Warnings regarding foreign collaborations have been reiterated.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To regulate healthcare education and prevent invalid degrees from unapproved collaborations.
Stakeholders Potentially Affected
UGC Regulations
Impacted Parties
Stakeholders Potentially Affected
Universities and colleges offering healthcare and allied programs.
UGC Regulations
Students enrolled in healthcare programs through ODL/online modes.
- Governing Body
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Meeting Date
- July 23, 2025
- Effective Date (Healthcare Programs)
- July-August 2025
- Act Referenced
- National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021
- Focus
- Healthcare and allied disciplines in ODL and online modes.