UGC Approved Online Degree Programs– Advantages 2025

In recent years, online education has evolved significantly, with the pandemic accelerating this transformation. Previously, only a limited number of courses were available online. However, with advancements in technology, it is now possible to pursue professional degree programs entirely in an online format.

However, not all courses can be pursued online. Certain technical programs are still not government-approved for online instruction. This blog serves as a guide to all UGC-approved online degree courses.

UGC-Approved Online Degree Programs

For the first time, UGC has approved over 50 online universities in India to offer full-fledged online courses. These include several deemed-to-be universities, three central universities, state universities, and private universities. These institutions meet the NAAC or NIRF ranking requirements set by UGC guidelines. Also Read | Online Degree Course from a Top University in India.

These universities are authorized to offer undergraduate and postgraduate professional degree courses. In addition to these, they also provide diploma programs lasting 10 to 15 months and certificate courses ranging from 3 to 12 months.

Given below is a list of all the online degree courses.  

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Online Degree Courses

The eligibility criteria for online degree courses are largely similar to those for offline degree programs, with only a few key differences. Since online and distance education programs aim to make education more accessible, particularly for marginalized groups, certain eligibility requirements are more flexible.

For undergraduate courses, applicants must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board in any stream, with a minimum aggregate of 45-50% marks or an equivalent grade. However, certain programs, particularly in the Science stream, may require prior subject knowledge. For these courses, students must have completed their 10+2 in the relevant stream aligned with the degree program.

For admission to postgraduate courses, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or a professional diploma in a relevant field. The undergraduate degree must be obtained from a recognized higher education institution with a minimum aggregate of 45-50% marks or an equivalent grade.

For offline courses, the minimum percentage requirement is typically higher than that for online degree programs. This requirement varies by college, with some courses requiring at least 60% and others demanding 75% or more. In contrast, online degree programs generally have a lower eligibility threshold, usually between 45-50% marks.

Online Degree Course Advantages

Online degree courses come with their own set of advantages. There has been much debate about their validity, causing concern among students. However, there is no need to worry—online degree programs hold the same legitimacy as traditional offline courses.

While online learning may have a few drawbacks, online degree courses offer several advantages over traditional offline programs. Some of these benefits include:

Top 10 Colleges Providing Online Degree Programs

There are over 50 online colleges in India that have been recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) to offer online degree programs. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 among them.

These ten institutions have been selected as the best based on various factors, including total fees, faculty expertise, teaching quality, Learning Management System (LMS) facilities, placement support services, and additional amenities. Our selection includes at least one institution from each category: Central University, State University, Private University, and Deemed-to-be University.