Archive · 30 Jul 2026
UGC Approves One‑Year PG Courses via ODL and Online
The University Grants Commission, a government body in India, said that universities can now offer one‑year postgraduate courses that students can take online or through distance learning.
Only schools that already run two‑year online courses can add the shorter version.
Students need a four‑year bachelor’s degree with Honours to apply.
The universities must get approval from their own academic committees and follow strict rules about curriculum and credits.
This move is meant to give students more flexible ways to study after college while keeping the quality high.
UGC has approved one‑year postgraduate programmes via ODL and online modes.
Only institutions already authorised to run two‑year PG courses in ODL/online can offer the one‑year version in the same discipline.
Candidates must hold a four‑year bachelor’s degree with Honours; professional courses (MBA, MCA, PGDM) follow separate regulatory eligibility.
Universities must secure approval from internal academic bodies (Board of Studies, Academic Council, Executive Council) and adhere to UGC’s Curriculum and Credit Framework.
The decision aims to provide flexible, quality‑assured postgraduate options while maintaining NEP 2020 standards.
- Who
- University Grants Commission and eligible universities
- What
- Approval of one‑year postgraduate programmes via ODL and online
- When
- July 28, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide flexible, quality‑assured postgraduate options under NEP 2020
- UGC Approval
- One‑year postgraduate programmes via ODL/online
- Eligibility
- Four‑year bachelor’s degree with Honours
- Effective Date
- July 28, 2026
- Scope
- Only universities already offering two‑year PG in ODL/online
- Regulatory Framework
- NEP 2020, UGC Regulations 2020
Sources
UGC Allows Universities to Offer One-Year PG Programme via ODL, Online Mode
UGC Approves One-Year PG Courses In Online And Distance Learning Mode
UGC approves 1-year postgraduate programmes in online, ODL mode