UGC prohibits psychology degrees through distance learning, 1.3 lakh students in a fix

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided that psychology degrees obtained under distance learning or online schooling will no longer be acknowledged. The order, which is to be implemented from the academic session commencing July–August 2025, impacts close to 1.3 lakh students who are already pursuing or possess BA, BSc, MA, and MSc psychology degrees through distance learning. Ever since the decision was announced two months back, the UGC has received applications and queries in large numbers from students and universities.

Why is psychology excluded from distance learning?

The move is a result of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which brought psychology and allied health sciences under the regulation of a central authority. Psychology, along with behavioural sciences, microbiology, food and nutrition, biotechnology, clinical nutrition, and allied courses is now regulated by the NCAHP.

Prior to the Act, allied health studies were characterized by incoherent state-level standards, low-quality curricula, and even counterfeit institutions and suspicious accreditation agencies. The NCAHP provided model curricula in order to bring about uniformity and took regulatory authority over 10 allied health professions, such as psychology.

Therefore, the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB) officially revoked approval for psychology programmes in distance or online modes. The resolution was made at the UGC’s 592nd meeting on July 23, 2025.

Impact on universities and students

The cancellation of recognition is a huge blow for 57 institutions of higher learning that teach psychology through distance education. Tamil Nadu and Telangana have the maximum number of such courses. Universities have been instructed to discontinue admissions with immediate effect under the new order. From July 2025, any psychology degree obtained through distance mode will be deemed invalid, posing serious issues for students looking to get higher education or employment in the field.

The UGC has instructed higher education institutions to implement the decision and brought the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Education with a suggestion that a reconsideration of the ban be made. Yet, no policy shift has been announced.

Students who have already undertaken distance psychology degrees now face uncertainty over their qualifications, with questioning over academic and career opportunities. Students and universities alike wait for transition guidelines or alternative routes but for the moment, the ban is steadfast.