APPROVAL FOR ONLINE DEGREE COURSES (INDIA)
University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission is the main regulatory authority for higher education in India.
UGC approves universities and their right to award degrees — whether the course is regular, online, or distance.
Only online degree programs offered by UGC-approved universities are valid in India.
UGC also provides rules under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning & Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which govern online degrees.
👉 Important: Degrees from entities not approved by UGC — including fake online providers or unrecognized foreign collaborations — are not valid in India.
Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
The Distance Education Bureau is a part of the UGC and specifically regulates distance and online programs.
Universities need DEB approval for their online degree courses to ensure quality and validity.
UGC often publishes an official list of universities authorized by DEB to run online programs.
⚠️ 3. Caution on Other Bodies Like AICTE
For certain technical degrees (like BCA, BBA), universities also need AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) approval along with UGC/DEB recognition to offer those online programs legally.
Always check both UGC/DEB and relevant council approval (if applicable) when choosing specific professional courses.
❌ Foreign or Unapproved Bodies (Not Recognized)
Online degrees offered by foreign universities or EdTech platforms without UGC approval are not recognized in India.
UGC has warned students not to enroll in such programs as they hold no validity for jobs or higher studies.