In exercise of powers conferred by clause j of Section 12 read with clause g of sub section 1 of section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act

## Report on the University Grants Commission Categorization of Universities only for Grant of Graded Autonomy First Amendment Regulations, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the University Grants Commission (UGC) Categorization of Universities only for Grant of Graded Autonomy First Amendment Regulations, 2022. This amendment modifies the 2018 regulations concerning universities offering courses in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The core purpose of the amendment, as evidenced in the provided text, is to clarify the conditions under which universities can offer ODL courses, referencing adherence to UGC's ODL regulations. The key finding is the change focuses on requiring Universities satisfy conditions laid down under the regulations pertaining to open and distance learning mode notified by the UGC from time to time. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the University Grants Commission Categorization of Universities only for Grant of Graded Autonomy First Amendment Regulations, 2022, based solely on the provided policy text. It outlines the purpose, changes, and potential impact of the amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document amends the University Grants Commission Categorization of Universities only for Grant of Graded Autonomy Regulations, 2018. * Core Objective(s) (inferred from the text): To clarify the requirements for universities offering courses in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The focus is on ensuring these universities adhere to the UGC's regulations pertaining to ODL. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely aims to refine or clarify the existing regulations regarding Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs offered by universities. The amendment suggests a need to update or re-emphasize the existing regulations, specifically focusing on the need for universities to comply with the existing regulations pertaining to ODL mode notified by the UGC from time to time. This may be due to a change in said regulations, or some confusion/ non-compliance with the original clause, leading the UGC to emphasize and clarify these regulations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically addresses the offering of courses in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It replaces clause 4.10 of regulation 4 and clause 5.7 of regulation 5 of the original 2018 regulations. * **Change:** The original clauses 4.10 and 5.7 are replaced with new clauses. * **New Rule/Provision:** * Clause 4.10 now states: "Universities may offer courses in the Open and Distance Learning mode, without approval of the Commission, provided it satisfies all the conditions laid down under the regulations, by whatever name they are called, pertaining to open and distance learning mode notified by the UGC from time to time." * Clause 5.7 now states: "Universities may offer courses in the Open and Distance Learning mode, with approval of the Commission, provided it satisfies all the conditions laid down under the regulations, by whatever name they are called, pertaining to open and distance learning mode notified by the UGC from time to time." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The changes appear to add clarity and a condition to the offering of ODL courses, specifically by referencing the UGC's existing regulations. Now a condition is that Universities must satisfy regulations pertaining to open and distance learning mode notified by the UGC from time to time. Clauses 4.10 and 5.7 appear to have different conditions; clause 4.10 states the condition for when Universities may offer ODL courses *without* approval of the Commission, and clause 5.7 states the condition for when Universities may offer ODL courses *with* approval of the Commission. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * Universities that offer or plan to offer courses in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. * Administrators and faculty responsible for ODL program development and delivery. * Students enrolled or planning to enroll in ODL programs. * The University Grants Commission (UGC) itself. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the responsible body for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of these regulations. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (November 18, 2022). The specific procedures for compliance are not detailed in the provided text but would likely be aligned with existing UGC guidelines for ODL programs. The text notes the reference to regulations pertaining to ODL mode, implying there is a pre-existing set of guidelines in force. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these changes is to: * Ensure that all universities offering ODL courses, with or without the Commission's approval, adhere to the prevailing ODL regulations established by the UGC. * Promote consistency and quality in ODL programs across different universities. * Protect the interests of students enrolled in ODL programs. **9. Conclusion:** The University Grants Commission Categorization of Universities only for Grant of Graded Autonomy First Amendment Regulations, 2022, focuses on clarifying the conditions under which universities can offer courses in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. This amendment reinforces the importance of universities complying with UGC's existing regulations. This serves to ensure greater compliance and better quality in ODL programs across the country.

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