The University Grants Commission (UGC) has banned universities and colleges from offering healthcare and allied programmes, including psychology, nutrition, microbiology, and biotechnology, through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode starting from the 2025 academic session. The decision, based on the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, will affect courses such as food and nutrition science, clinical nutrition, and dietetics. UGC officials have withdrawn any approvals granted to higher education institutions (HEIs) for running these programmes from July-August 2025 onwards. The move follows concerns over the quality of professional training delivered via distance or online modes. The decision was finalised after recommendations made in the 24th Distance Education Bureau Working Group meeting in April.
