UGC Bans ODL Healthcare Courses, No More Online Study for These Subjects

If you're planning to pursue online studies in healthcare or medical-related courses such as Psychology, Microbiology, or Biotechnology, it will no longer be allowed. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has banned all medical and healthcare-related courses offered through Online and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.

This decision will be enforced starting from the academic session of July-August 2025. All universities and colleges have been strictly instructed to comply with the new regulations. The ban was finalized during UGC's 592nd meeting held on July 23, 2025.

This move follows recommendations made under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. The restricted subjects include Psychology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food and Nutrition Science, Clinical Nutrition, and Dietetics.

UGC clarified that if a degree program includes multiple subjects and even one of them is healthcare-related, that particular course cannot be offered online or via distance learning.

Additionally, universities and institutions collaborating with foreign institutions without prior approval to run degree or diploma programs have been warned. UGC stated that strict action will be taken against such violations.