As we step into the academic year 2025-26, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its much-anticipated list of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) recognized to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. This approval is a game-changer for working professionals, remote learners, and anyone seeking flexible higher education options without compromising on quality. Based on the UGC Distance Education Bureau’s (DEB) official notification dated October 3, 2025, a total of 101 universities across India have been greenlit to deliver ODL courses starting from the July-August 2025 session. These institutions span various types—State, Central, Private, Deemed-to-be, and State Open Universities—ensuring diverse choices for students.
In this blog, we’ll break down the full list state-wise, highlighting each university’s type for easy reference. We’ll also tally the totals by category at the end. Whether you’re eyeing an MBA, MA, or specialized diploma, this list is your roadmap to credible ODL education. Let’s dive in!
State-Wise List of Recognized Universities for ODL 2025-26
Here’s the complete rundown, organized alphabetically by state. Each entry includes the university name and its type (e.g., State University, Central University).
Andhra Pradesh
University Name
Type
Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
State
Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati
State
Yogi Vemana University
State
Andhra Pradesh National Sanskrit University
State
AP Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
State
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
State
Arunachal Pradesh
University Name
Type
Rajiv Gandhi University
Central
Assam
University Name
Type
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University
State Open
Gauhati University
State
Tezpur University
Central
Bihar
University Name
Type
Nalanda Open University
State Open
Chandigarh
University Name
Type
Panjab University
Central
Chhattisgarh
University Name
Type
Pt. Sundarlal Sharma University
State
Dr. C. V. Raman University
Private
Mats University
Private
Delhi
University Name
Type
University of Delhi
Central
Jamia Millia Islamia
Central
Jamia Hamdard
Deemed
Gujarat
University Name
Type
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
State Open
Gokul Global University
Private
Haryana
University Name
Type
Guru Jambeshwar University of Science & Technology
State
Maharshi Dayanand University
State
Central University of Haryana
Central
Himachal Pradesh
University Name
Type
Himachal Pradesh University
State
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
Central
SNDT Women’s University
State
Shivaji University
State
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
State Open
University of Mumbai
State
Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University
State
International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed
MIT Art Design & Technology University
Private
Meghalaya
University Name
Type
University of Science & Technology
Private
Odisha
University Name
Type
Sambalpur University
State
Utkal University
State
Odisha State Open University
State Open
Sri Sri University
Deemed
Fakir Mohan University
State
Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University
State
Puducherry
University Name
Type
Pondicherry University
Central
Punjab
University Name
Type
Chandigarh University
Private
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State University
State
Lovely Professional University
Private
Punjabi University
State
Desh Bhagat University
Private
Rajasthan
University Name
Type
Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
Deemed
Jagannath University
Private
Jaipur National University
Private
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
State Open
Vivekananda Global University
Private
Tamil Nadu
University Name
Type
Annamalai University
State
Anna University, Chennai
State
Bharathidasan University
State
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
Deemed
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education
Deemed
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University
State
Tamil Nadu Open University
State Open
University of Madras
State
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
Deemed
Mother Teresa Women’s University
State
VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
Deemed
Academy of Maritime Education and Training
Deemed
Bharathiar University
State
Periyar University
State
Telangana
University Name
Type
Maulana Azad National Urdu University
Central
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education
Deemed
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
State Open
Kakatiya University
State
Tripura
University Name
Type
Mata Tripura Sundari Open University
State Open
Uttar Pradesh
University Name
Type
Amity University
Private
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
Private
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University
State Open
Mangalayatan University
Private
Integral University
Private
Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology
Private
Teerthanker Mahaveer University
Private
IIMT University
Private
Uttarakhand
University Name
Type
Uttarakhand Open University
State Open
University of Patanjali
Private
West Bengal
University Name
Type
Netaji Subhas Open University
State Open
Rabindra Bharati University
State
University of Kalyani
State
University of North Bengal
State
University of Burdwan
State
Totals by University Type
Based on the UGC’s 2025-26 list, here’s a quick snapshot of the distribution:
State Universities (including general state institutions): 57
Central Universities: 11
Private Universities: 25
Deemed-to-be Universities: 8
Key Guidelines for States and Universities Included in the 2025–26 ODL Recognition List
While the list opens doors, UGC has laid down strict guidelines to ensure quality and compliance. Here’s a rundown of the essentials from the official notification:
Application and Recognition Basis: HEIs were recognized under Regulations 3(A) and 3(B)(b) of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 (and amendments). Only eligible institutions applied online.
AICTE Approvals for Specific Disciplines: Central, State, or Private Universities don’t need prior AICTE approval for UG/PG/PG Diploma in Management, Computer Applications, or Travel & Tourism. However, Deemed-to-be Universities must obtain it for ODL/Online modes.
Regulatory Compliance: Programmes under bodies like AICTE, MCI, etc., require NOC/approval. HEIs must adhere to seat limits, approved years, and all conditions.
Entry Qualifications and Programme Standards: Follow UGC’s Specification of Degrees 2014 (amendments), entry quals, admission modes, durations (min/max), and credits. No exceptions!
Adherence to UGC Regulations: Strictly follow the 2020 Regulations and amendments, plus all UGC/statutory notices.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Learner Support: Stick to policies in Annexures III and VIII of the Regulations for jurisdiction and Learner Support Centres (LSCs).
Admission Deadline: Last date to admit learners is October 15, 2025. Submit data via DEB portal using reverse API.
Affidavit and Liability: HEIs affirmed that false info or violations lead to sole responsibility, including learner career impacts. Penalties under Regulation 7 apply.
Session Validity: Valid for July-August 2025 onwards, as appended in the list.
These guidelines safeguard students—always verify programme specifics on the UGC DEB website before enrolling.
