The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have warned their recognized universities and institutions against offering distance learning courses or programmes in an online mode in association with EdTech companies. They have strictly said no to any kind of franchise agreement. As per the norms, any UGC-approved university offering online courses would be considered illegal. The higher education body has also advised the students to check on the UGC website before enrolling in any degree or diploma course with EdTech organizations.
UGC had issued this warning after it came to their notice that many EdTech companies have published the advertisement in print and digital platforms that they are offering degree and diploma courses in online mode in association with UGC approved universities and institutions.
In the same context, Commission Secretary, Rajnish Jain said that no permission has been granted for the franchise agreement between UGC-approved universities and EdTech companies to offer courses in online mode. If any of its varsities were found breaking the norms, strict action would be taken against defaulting EdTech companies as well as HEIs under applicable laws, rules, and regulations. He has advised all the students that they should confirm the recognition and entitlement status of the programs on the UGC website before opting for the desired course.
