University Grants Commission (UGC) has allowed over hundred universities in the country to continue offering academic programs through open and distance learning (ODL) mode for the next academic year 2015-16. The UGC had accorded recognition to the universities and institutions for offering programs through ODL mode up to the current academic session 2014-15. The Commission in its 505th meeting in December last year, decided to "maintain status quo" and allow continuation of recognition for the academic session 2015-16, said a UGC letter to vice chancellors of the concerned universities.

A total of 128 universities and institutions offering academic programs under ODL mode will benefit by the UGC recognition, however, according to UGC some of the universities and institutions are still violating the norms and guidelines prescribed for offering programs through ODL mode. Hence, UGC has directed all the universities as well as colleges/institutes that are offering programs through ODL mode to surrender an affidavit confirming strict adherence to the terms and conditions as a pre-condition for "continuation of recognition" for the academic session 2015-16.