The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a major policy shift: from the academic session beginning July–August 2025, universities and higher education institutions will no longer be allowed to offer online or distance learning programmes in psychology, nutrition, and other allied healthcare fields.
The ban falls under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, and extends to disciplines such as microbiology, biotechnology, food and nutrition science, clinical nutrition and dietetics.
UGC Secretary Manish Joshi confirmed that all recognitions already granted for these courses will be withdrawn. “No higher educational institutions shall be permitted to offer any allied and healthcare programmes covered under the NCAHP Act, 2021, including psychology as a specialisation, in ODL or online mode from the academic session 2025 and onwards,” he said.
Why the ban?
Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring quality and safeguarding patient care, given the increasing demand for professional healthcare training. The decision followed recommendations from the 24th Distance Education Bureau Working Group in April 2025 and was formally approved in a recent UGC commission meeting.
Courses impacted
The ban affects both standalone programmes and those offered as specialisations. For instance, a BA in Psychology through ODL or online mode will be discontinued, while other BA subjects like English, History, or Political Science will remain unaffected.
What remains banned under distance mode?
This directive adds to the list of professional courses that cannot be taught through distance or online education, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, architecture, physiotherapy, law, paramedical sciences, agriculture, hotel management, and visual arts.
What it means for students
No new admissions will be permitted in these healthcare-related ODL/online programmes starting 2025. Students currently enrolled are expected to continue under existing arrangements, but fresh approvals will be blocked.
The UGC’s decision is being seen as a push to maintain high-quality standards in healthcare education, where practical training and hands-on learning are considered critical.
