Open and Distance Education in India

In this article

About Distance Education

Overview of ODL

Self-Learning Material

ODL Regulations

Type of HEIs

Types of Programmes

Open and Distance Learning Trends

FAQs

Distance education, also known as distance learning or remote learning, is a form of education that allows students to learn without being physically present in a traditional classroom setting. It involves the use of various communication technologies and instructional methods to deliver educational content to students who are geographically separated from the instructors or educational institutions. Distance education provides flexibility and accessibility to individuals who may have constraints such as work, family responsibilities, or geographical limitations that prevent them from attending classes in person.

In 1962, Delhi University introduced Open and Distance Learning in India through the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education. The aim was to facilitate individuals with the desire and aptitude to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. Following this, Correspondence Courses were initiated by Punjabi University and the University of Rajasthan in 1968. Meerut and Mysore Universities adopted these courses in 1969. The reach of distance education expanded during the 1980s. Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, was founded in 1982 by the State of Andhra Pradesh. The establishment of Indira Gandhi National Open University in 1985 by the Government of India marked a significant milestone in the field of distance education in the country.

The Distance Education Council (DEC) came into existence in 1991 under Section 16(7) of the IGNOU Act, 1985, with the responsibility to promote and coordinate the Open and Distance Learning system in India as per clause (2) (a) of the statute 28. In May 2007, a Joint Committee was formed through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UGC, AICTE, and DEC, lasting until May 2010. This committee crafted guidelines presented in the 'Recognition of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Institutions' Handbook 2009.

Subsequently, in response to directives from the Ministry of Education, the Department of Higher Education, Government of India issued an order on December 29, 2012. As per this order, the regulatory responsibilities concerning Distance Education programs, except for technical education, within higher education were transferred to the University Grants Commission (UGC). The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was designated as the regulator for technical education through the ODL mode. This transition led to the dissolution of the Distance Education Council, the former regulator of Distance Education programs. Since 2013, all regulatory functions have been carried out by the UGC under the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). Subsequently, on February 25, 2014, the Ministry of Education directed the UGC to assume the role of regulator for the higher education system in ODL mode, encompassing technical education in universities and affiliated colleges.

Overview of Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education (ODL)

Education can be delivered in Synchronous and Asynchronous mode. In Synchronous mode, the teacher and learners interaction occurs either in face-to-face mode or using online mode. The ODL mode of education is largely asynchronous where the learners get self-learning materials and prepares without much interaction with the faculty.

The University Grants Commission granted approval to universities and institutions in India to offer programs through distance learning starting from the academic session of 2013. When regulatory responsibilities were transferred from the former Distance Education Council (DEC) to the UGC, existing recognition was extended to institutes and universities for the duration of one year, specifically from 2014-15. This extension applied to institutions that had already received recognition under institutional or program-specific criteria.

Subsequently, due to the absence of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Regulations, the UGC decided to maintain recognition for the academic year 2015-16 for those institutions that had obtained recognition in the previous year (2014-15) to deliver ODL programs.

To evaluate the eligibility of universities and institutions for recognition, the UGC embarked on a comprehensive assessment for the first time. Recognition was granted based on the recommendations of Expert Committees. In the case of universities, recognition was provided for a span of two academic years, covering 2016-17 and 2017-18. However, following the UGC (ODL) First and Second Amendments subsequent to the 2017-18 academic session, the Commission ceased to grant approval to Standalone Institutions for Open and Distance Learning programs.

Self-Learning Material

Self-Learning Material for Open and Distance Learning mode means and includes contents in the form of course material, whether print or electronic, which is inter-alia self-explanatory, self-contained, self-directed at the learner, amenable to self-evaluation, and enables the learner to acquire the prescribed level of learning in courses of study, but does not include text-books or guide-books.

Learning content in the form of a combination of the following e-Learning content:

(1) e-Text Materials

(2) Live Video Lectures

(3) Recorded Video Lectures

(3) Audio-Visual interactive material

(4) Virtual Classroom sessions

(5) Audio Podcasts

(6) Virtual Simulation

(7) Self-Assessment Quizzes or Tests;

ODL Regulations

UGC (ODL Programmes & OL Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and Amendments UGC(ODL) Regulations, 2017 and Amendments

Type of HEIs

Higher Educational Institution” means a university covered under clause (f) of section 2 and an institution deemed to be a university covered under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, which is imparting through conducting regular classes or through Open and Distance Learning systems, higher education or research therein.

1. Central University

2. State University

3. Central Open University

4. State Open University

5. Private University

6. Deemed to be University

Types of Programs

Programs means a course or programme of study leading to the award of a Degree at graduate and postgraduate levels in a higher educational institution including a degree, certificate, diploma or postgraduate diploma.

Graduate Degree or Bachelor Degree

Post Graduate Degree or Master Degree

Certificate?

Diploma

Post Graduate Diploma or PGM

Open and Distance Learning Trends

Student Enrolment in Universities under Distance Mode (As per UGC Annual Report 2017-18)

No. of students enrolled in Distance Education

The year 2020-21 - 14,66,980

The year 2021-22 - 20,33,087

Number of Universities/Institutions recognised to offer distance education

The year 2020-21 - 42

The year 2021-22 - 58

FAQs

Who first introduced distance education?

The first distance education course in the modern sense was provided by Sir Isaac Pitman in the 1840s.

Who started first-time Open and Distance Learning in India?

Open and Distance Learning in India was introduced by Delhi University in 1962.

When did online education started?

The first-ever completely online course was offered in 1984 by the University of Toronto.

What is online education called?

Distance learning is also called distance education, e-learning, and online learning.

Mandatory Disclosure on HEIs Website

Program Details:- Course Name, Duration, Eligibility, Fees, Course Structure.

Program-wise information:- Course syllabus, contact points for counselling, program structure.