Archive · 3 Sep 2026
UGC Opens 2027 Distance Learning Applications as Jamia Expands Courses
The UGC has started accepting applications from colleges that want to teach students online or through distance learning.
Colleges must apply online between September 1 and September 15.
They must also send certain original documents to the UGC by September 25.
Applying does not guarantee that a college will receive approval.
The UGC will check whether each institution follows the required rules.
Jamia Millia Islamia has added 11 new certificate and diploma courses.
These include language, media, artificial intelligence and conflict-analysis programmes.
Jamia has also given students until September 8 to apply for its programmes.
UGC opened applications for institutions seeking approval to offer ODL and online programmes for the January–February 2027 session and later.
HEIs must submit applications online through the UGC Distance Education Bureau portal between September 1 and September 15.
Applicants must send the original affidavit and annexures to the UGC by September 25 after filing online.
Jamia Millia Islamia added 11 certificate and diploma courses, bringing its distance and online programme total to 60.
Jamia extended its admission application deadline for all programmes to September 8 from August 10.
- Who
- The University Grants Commission, higher education institutions, and Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for Distance and Online Education.
- What
- UGC opened the approval application window for online and open-and-distance-learning programmes, while Jamia added 11 programmes and extended admissions.
- When
- Applications to UGC are due online from September 1 to September 15, with physical documents due by September 25; Jamia admissions are open until September 8.
- Where
- Applications are submitted through the UGC Distance Education Bureau portal; physical documents go to the UGC office at 35 Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi.
- Why
- The UGC aims to verify regulatory compliance, while Jamia said its expansion is intended to increase access and provide academic and practical skills.
- Target session
- January–February 2027 and subsequent sessions
- UGC online application window
- September 1–15
- Physical document deadline
- September 25
- Submission portal
- UGC Distance Education Bureau portal
- Jamia new programmes
- 11 certificate and diploma courses
- Jamia total programmes
- 60 programmes
- Jamia admission deadline
- September 8, extended from August 10