Debating the value of ODL Degree

According to a recent judgement by the Calcutta High Court, a degree from an open and distance learning (ODL) system is not at par with a degree awarded by a formal university. The judgement has expressed doubts about the quality of education imparted through distance mode. The decision has directly affected the future of lakhs of students who are considering to study through open distance learning.

Furthermore, the high court’s ruling has contradicted a circular issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on October 15, 2013 which stated that an ODL Degree is equivalent to a degree obtained through regular university education.

“Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates awarded by open universities in conformity with the UGC notification of degrees should be treated as equivalent to corresponding awards of the traditional universities in the country,” read the UGC circular.

The high court division bench comprising of Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya and Justice Tapash Mookherjee stated,  "As such we have no hesitation to hold that be it a gradation degree, a Master degree, Ph. D degree or M.Phil Degree which is granted by an Open University either through Distance Mode of Education Programme or through any Informal Education Programme cannot be equated with the gradation degree, Master degree, Ph.D degree or M.Phil degree granted to a candidate by formal conventional recognized universities after conducting a conventional course on regular basis."

Meanwhile academicians and experts from the field of ODL programmes have acknowledged that the reason behind the ODL system not being qualitatively at par with regular education is because of descending quality and lack of stringent regulatory measures.

Professors from various academic institutions feel that there is lack of credibility in the distance education system because all types of players have been allowed to play and no proper regulatory measures are in place. They strongly feel that stricter norms should be adopted by regulatory bodies to ensure that there is proper adherence to rules and regulations.

Source: HT Education