New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the last date for admissions to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes for the February 2026 academic session, offering relief to higher educational institutions and students alike.
In a notification issued on March 31, the Commission said the deadline to admit learners has been pushed from March 30 to April 10, 2026. The decision comes after multiple representations from universities and institutions seeking additional time to complete their admission processes.
Direct link for official announcement
Revised timeline for institutions
Along with the admission deadline, UGC has also revised the schedule for submission of admission data. Institutions will now have time until April 13, 2026, to upload details on the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal through the prescribed system.
All recognised and entitled Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering courses through ODL and online modes have been directed to follow the updated timeline and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Advisory for students
The Commission has reiterated its advisory for students to exercise caution before enrolling in such programmes. It has asked the candidates to check the recognition status of the institution and the course on the official portal of the UGC-DEB.
UGC has also referred to the earlier public notice issued on the same topic, wherein important precautions that need to be taken by the students have been mentioned while opting for distance and online education modes.
This extension is likely to help the institutions as well as the students, as they might have missed the earlier deadline, especially in the new arena of ODL and online education.
