UGC warns students not to take admission in Annamalai University through ODL mode

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has warned students not to take admission to any programme offered by Annamalai University through online, distance learning (ODL) mode. “Taking admissions in such programmes may jeopardize the career of the students, in the absence of recognition of the programme by the UGC,” it said in a recent notice.

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As per the latest notice titled “Violation by Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, in running distance education programmes without the approval of the UGC”, the commission said, “It has come to the notice of the UGC that the Annamalai University is running the distance education programmes and admitting students in Open and distance learning (ODL) programmes without the approval of UGC is gross violation of all condition laid down by the UGC (Open and distance learning programmes) regulations 2020.”

The Annamalai University distance education programme was only recognised till the academic year 2014-15. The UGC in the notice clarified that no further recognition has been accorded to it to offer any programme through ODL mode.

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“The ODL programmes offered by the Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu without prior approval of UGC are invalid and the University is solely responsible for the career consequences of the students, if any, arising out of the same,” stated in the public notice issued by UGC.

As per the UGC ODL regulation 2020, “No higher educational institutions shall offer any open and distance learning programmes and/or online courses and admit learners thereto unless it has been granted recognition by the commission.”