The University Grant Commission on 16th January 2022 has issued a warning to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and EdTech companies that are offering online and open and distance learning (ODL) programmes under franchise arrangements.
Higher Educational Institutions (HEls) are recognized/ declared entitled by the UGC for offering ODL and/or Online programmes as per the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendment. The Regulations mandate that these HEIs shall not offer ODL and/or Online programme(s) under any franchise arrangement and the HEIs themselves are completely responsible for the programme(s).
However, it has come to the notice of UGC recently that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspaper / social media / television etc. that they are offering degree and diploma programmes in ODL/Online modes in association with some universities/institutions recognized/entitled by the UGC.
Therefore UGC has Cleary stated that “Such a franchise arrangement is not permissible and action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies as well as HEIs under applicable laws/ rules/ regulations and has advised all students to check the recognition/entitlement status of the programmes on UGC(DEB) website before enrolling in any course.
