UGC- The University Grants Commission Chairman Jagadesh Kumar stated that an announcement about the National Digital University would be made soon.

According to UGC Chairman, online programmes offer multiple opportunities to students who cannot physically join college or university. Similarly, there is a constant growth in the number of enrolments in online programmes.

Jagadesh Kumar tweeted, however, this will pick up further once we announce the National Digital University together with flexible online education regulations.

Kumar further said there is a need to take benefit of modern digital technologies to prepare engaging digital content and reach out to students using developing internet availability. He added this needs to be done at a reasonable expense so that students can acquire high-quality education and become skilful and knowledgeable.

Earlier, the UGC announced a public notice suggesting students and the public not to be misled by advertisements for online Ph.D. programmes delivered by EduTech Companies in collaboration with Foreign Educational Institutes.

The Commission has its procedure to grant Ph.D. degrees to students. The Ph.D. degree is rewarded to students as per UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil/Ph.D Degrees) Regulations, 2016. As per the notice, all Indian Higher Educational Institutions should follow UGC regulations and amendments for awarding Ph.D. degrees.

UGC Chairman tweeted that UGC advises students and the public, at large, not to be misled by advertisements for online Ph.D. programmes proposed by EduTech Companies in collaboration with Foreign Educational Institutes. For more details, please see the attached public notice.

Jagadesh Kumar said 66 Higher Education Institutions are entitled/recognised to provide 371 programmes, out of which Central deemed to be university, state, and private universities deliver 21, 166, 112, and 72 programmes, respectively.

Approximately 72,400 students, including both Indian and International students, are currently registered/enrolled in 345 programmes delivered by universities across the nation. This is a 179% jump from last year's 25,905 students. There have been 20,37,676 students registered across 86 Higher Educational institutions and 1078 programmes compared to 14,38,101 students in the previous academic year.

UGC advises Students and public, at large, not to be misled by advertisements for online Ph.D programmes offered by EduTech Companies in collaboration with Foreign Educational Institutes.

For more details please see the attached public notice. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/RlP33Ziv7B

— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) October 28, 2022