The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a major update that directly impacts universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. In its 592nd meeting held on 23 July, 2025, the Commission decided that programmes in healthcare and allied disciplines under the NCAHP Act, 2021—including Psychology—cannot be offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode from the academic session starting July-August 2025.
This decision follows recommendations made by the 24th DEB Working Group (DWG) meeting held on 22 April, 2025.
Official Notice by UGC on Healthcare and Allied Disciplines
What Does the UGC Decision Mean for Universities?
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Ban on New Programmes
No HEI will be allowed to offer allied and healthcare-related programmes—including Psychology, Microbiology, Food and Nutrition Science, Biotechnology, and Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, through ODL or online mode from the upcoming academic session (July–August 2025) onwards.
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Withdrawal of Existing Recognitions
If any HEI has already received recognition from UGC to offer these programmes from July 2025 onwards, that recognition will now be withdrawn.
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Impact on Multi-Disciplinary Courses
In cases where a programme offers multiple specialisations (for example, a Bachelor of Arts with majors in English, History, Political Science, Psychology, etc.), only the specialisations falling under the NCAHP Act (such as Psychology) will be withdrawn. The rest of the programme may continue.
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Admissions Halted
Universities and HEIs must not admit any new students into the affected programmes from July–August 2025.
Why Has UGC Taken This Step?
The decision is rooted in the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which regulates education and practice in healthcare and allied fields.
The Commission aims to ensure that programme in these disciplines maintain strict quality standards, practical exposure, and regulatory compliance, something that may not be fully achievable through ODL or online learning formats.
Key Takeaways for Universities
- If your university planned to launch or continue ODL/online courses in Psychology, Nutrition, or other allied healthcare specialisations, these must be discontinued immediately.
- Ensure admissions for the July–August 2025 session are updated to reflect this change.
- Keep in mind that this does not affect all ODL/online programmes. Only those under the NCAHP Act, 2021.
What Should HEIs Do Next?
- Review your course catalogue for July 2025 admissions and make necessary withdrawals.
- Communicate transparently with prospective students about the discontinuation of these programmes to avoid confusion.
- Stay updated with UGC notifications to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
This UGC directive is a crucial reminder for universities to stay aligned with regulatory frameworks governing higher education. While it limits flexibility in offering healthcare-related courses via distance and online modes, it also reinforces the importance of maintaining high-quality, practice-oriented learning for these critical disciplines.
Universities must now swiftly adapt to the new guidelines to ensure compliance, safeguard their academic reputation, and continue delivering value to students.
Source
Official Notification by UGC, 12 August, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the UGC, Education Ministry, and Government of India.