Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4 -- In a major decision, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has permitted Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to offer one-year postgraduate (PG) programmes through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online mode. This is in line with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

As per official sources, the latest notification supersedes the UGC's earlier circular issued on July 24, 2026. It lays revised guidelines for universities intending to introduce the programme.

Under the new framework, the students who have successfully completed a four-year bachelor's degree with honours will be eligible to enroll in a one-year postgraduate programme. However, they need to meet the prescribed academic r...