On 12-8-2025, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) notified the ‘Commission’s decision regarding the feasibility of offering programmes in the specialisation of healthcare and allied disciplines falling under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (‘NCAHP’) Act, 2021, in Open and Distance Learning (‘ODL’) and Online mode’. This Directive is aimed at safeguarding the integrity and quality of healthcare education in India.
Background:
The UGC has taken this decision during the UGC’s 592nd meeting held on 23-7-2025, following recommendations from the 24th Distance Education Bureau (‘DEB’) Working Group meeting on 22-4-2025. The move reflects growing concerns about the feasibility of delivering hands-on, practical healthcare education remotely, especially in disciplines that require clinical exposure and supervised training.
Key highlights:
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In the notice, UGC has categorically prohibited Higher Education Institution (‘HEI’) to offer ODL or Online mode programmes from the coming academic session (July—August 2025) onwards, in the following specialisations:
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Psychology
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Microbiology
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Food and Nutrition Science
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Biotechnology
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Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
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The UGC emphasized that these disciplines, governed by the NCAHP Act, require rigorous clinical training, supervised practical exposure, and hands-on learning that cannot be adequately replicated in remote formats.
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For institutions that have already been granted recognition to offer such programmes in the upcoming academic session, the UGC has mandated the following:
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Withdrawal of Recognition: Any recognition already granted permission for these programmes will be revoked.
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Multi-Specialization Programmes: In programmes with multiple specialisations (e.g., BA with Psychology, History, Political Science), only the NCAHP-governed subjects will be discontinued.
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Admission Restrictions: The HEIs are directed not to admit any students into these programmes from the July—August 2025 session onward.
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By restricting these programmes to conventional modes of delivery, the Commission aims to ensure that students receive the necessary practical training and supervision that may not be feasible through distance or online education.
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All stakeholders, including universities, colleges, students, and regulatory bodies, are urged to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance. The UGC has emphasized that this move is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of healthcare education in India.
