Overview
UGC approved online degree courses are programmes that a university is recognised by the University Grants Commission to offer in online mode. UGC regulations give these degrees equal standing with conventional degrees. Here is what UGC approval means, how to verify a university and which programmes cannot be offered online.
Before you pay a fee for any online programme, check recognition first. UGC approved online degree courses carry equal standing with campus degrees. Checking takes only a few minutes on official UGC portals, and UGC itself has asked students to do this before enrolling.
What Is UGC Approval?
The University Grants Commission is the statutory body for university education in India. UGC recognition means a university appears on UGC’s official list of universities.
For online learning, an extra layer applies. UGC has asked students to verify that their chosen institution is recognised for offering online programmes through the UGC Distance Education Bureau website. This UGC-DEB approval is what makes an online programme valid.
Why a UGC Approved Online Degree Matters
Regulation 22 of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 states that degrees obtained through conventional, distance and online modes carry equal standing. A UGC approved online degree therefore holds the same value as a degree earned on campus, including when you apply for an online master’s degree later.
How to Check UGC Approved Online Degree Courses
Use the official portals UGC points students to.
- ➤ Visit ugc.gov.in and confirm the university appears on UGC’s list of universities
- ➤ Visit deb.ugc.ac.in and confirm the university is recognised to offer the programme in online mode
- ➤ Apply through the university directly, since UGC does not permit admissions or delivery of online programmes through franchising arrangements paths
UGC has also made a DEB ID mandatory for students joining recognised online and distance programmes, except foreign students. You create it on deb.ugc.ac.in using your Academic Bank of Credits ID.
Programmes UGC Does Not Allow Online
Not every subject can become one of the accredited online degrees. The UGC Regulations, 2020 do not permit programmes in engineering, medical, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other paramedical disciplines, pharmacy, nursing, dental, architecture, law, agriculture, horticulture, hotel management, catering technology, culinary sciences, aircraft maintenance, visual arts and sports in distance or online mode. Research programmes such as MPhil and PhD are also excluded. A November 2024 UGC notice to students repeated these restrictions.
If an institution advertises one of these as an online degree, check its status on the UGC portals before you go further.
Online UG Courses and Online PG Courses at Online SRM
Online degrees in India cover both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. At Online SRM, SRM University Sikkim offers four online degree programs, two online UG courses and two online PG courses.
| Level | Programme | Duration | Published Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
BBA |
3 years, 6 semesters |
₹19,500 per semester
|
|
Undergraduate
|
BCA
|
3 years, 6 semesters
|
₹19,500 per semester
|
|
Postgraduate |
MBA |
2 years, 4 semesters |
₹27,500 per semeste |
|
Postgraduate
|
MCA
|
2 years, 4 semesters
|
₹25,000 per semester
|
UGC's Fake Universities List
Fake institutions often borrow the language of UGC approved online degree courses to look genuine. UGC publishes a list of fake universities that are not authorised to award degrees. The list released in February 2026 named 32 institutions, with Delhi accounting for 12 and Uttar Pradesh for 4. Check the current list on ugc.gov.in before you enrol anywhere.
Choose a Recognised Online Degree With Online SRM
Online SRM programmes are offered by SRM University Sikkim, which describes itself as UGC entitled, AICTE-approved, NAAC A+ accredited and ISO certified. Compare all online programmes and check fees, eligibility and specialisations before you apply.
Key Takeaways
- ➤ UGC approved online degree courses have equal standing with regular degrees under UGC Regulation 22
- ➤ Verify the university on ugc.gov.in and the online programme on deb.ugc.ac.in
- ➤ UGC does not allow admissions through franchising arrangements for online programmes
- ➤ Fields such as engineering, medicine, law and architecture are not permitted online.
- ➤ UGC’s February 2026 list named 32 fake universities
Conclusion
Recognition is the foundation of any online degree. Taking a few minutes to verify UGC approved online degree courses on ugc.gov.in and deb.ugc.ac.in protects your time, money and career plans. Once recognition is confirmed, compare programmes on curriculum, cost and support. Online SRM from SRM University Sikkim offers options at both UG and PG level.
FAQs
What is UGC approval?
UGC approval means the University Grants Commission recognises the university. For online programmes, the university must also be recognised to offer that programme in online mode, which you can check on deb.ugc.ac.in.
Which universities are blacklisted by the UGC for 2026?
UGC publishes a list of fake universities. The list released in February 2026 named 32 institutions, including 12 in Delhi and 4 in Uttar Pradesh. The current list is available on ugc.gov.in.
How to check if a university is UGC approved?
Search UGC’s list of universities on ugc.gov.in. For online programmes, also check deb.ugc.ac.in to confirm recognition for that programme in online mode.
Is the UGC bill approved?
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, which proposes replacing UGC, AICTE and NCTE with a single commission, was introduced in Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025 and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on 16 December 2025. It has not been passed yet.
Are UGC approved online degree courses valid for jobs?
Yes. UGC Regulation 22 gives degrees from recognised online programmes equal standing with conventional degrees.
Is a DEB ID required for online degree admission?
Yes. UGC has made the DEB ID mandatory for students enrolling in recognised online and distance programmes, exceptfor foreign students.
