
18/08/2025
UGC Ends Online/ODL Psychology Programs from July 2025
** What’s changing?**
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has mandated that **all allied and healthcare programs—including Psychology—offered through Open & Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode must be discontinued starting with the 2025–26 academic session (July–August 2025) .
** Why?**
This follows recommendations from the Distance Education Bureau and aligns with regulations under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021 . The NCAHP clarified that allied and healthcare qualifications—including psychology—must be acquired via regular (in-person) learning modes, per Section 2(e) of the Act .
** What it means for students & institutions:**
Admissions halted: Universities cannot admit new students to psychology programs via online or distance mode from July–August 2025 onwards .
Recognition withdrawn: Any approval previously granted for these modes will be revoked .
Partial exemptions: Regular (on-campus) BA programs with multiple specialization options (e.g., Hindi, Economics, Psychology) can continue—but the healthcare-related specialization (e.g., Psychology) must be removed if offered through distance or online mode .