Universities to Mention Mode of learning in Degrees: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the universities and institutes offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) courses to mention the mode of learning in certificates and degrees they issue to their students.

UGC mentioned in a letter sent out to these varsities that the universities and institutes offering ODL mode are handing over degrees and certificates without mentioning the mode of learning or delivery of the programme.

It is now mandatory for all the varsities are required to mention “Mode of Delivery ODL/Distance Learning” on all the documents presented to the students during or after the completion of the particular programme.

This step has been taken to eradicate ambiguities between conventional mode degrees with that of ODL mode degrees. These UGC guidelines will put a full stop to such confusions and bring clarity. Around 131 universities are offering ODL programmes. Every year approximately 35 to 40 lakh students take up ODL degree, postgraduate degree and diploma degree courses in India.

This step taken by UGC is debatable. On one hand, this step is effective, as it will clear the difference between regular and non-regular students. A regular student puts in more energy and time for the same academic course in comparison to a candidate undergoing the same educational programme through correspondence mode.

However, the different picture tells that this is a retrograde step and shows a distinct class bias. Irrespective of the mode or delivery of the course, a student learns and studies the hard way. Every student has his/her circumstance to choose a mode of learning. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the universities and institutes offering ODL mode awarding such degrees and certificates.