AICTE (Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education) Guidelines, 2021

Existing clause

Amended Clause

Point 3:

(a) Institutions having NAAC score of 3.26 and above on a
scale of 4 or NBA Score of 700 on a scale of 1000 or having
rank in Top-100 in University category of National
Institutional Ranking Framework, at least twice in three
preceding cycles (at the time of application), shall be
permitted to start full-fledged ODL courses and / or Online
courses without prior approval of the AICTE only in the NBA
accredited programmes, provided it satisfies all the
conditions mentioned in these regulations:

(a) Institutions having NAAC score of 3.26 and above on a
scale of 4 or NBA Score of 700 on a scale of 1000 or having
rank in Top-100 in University category of National
Institutional Ranking Framework, at least twice in three
preceding cycles (at the time of application), shall be
permitted to start full-fledged ODL courses and / or Online
courses in the field of Management and allied areas,
Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence and Data
Science, Logistics and Travel & Tourism without prior
approval of the AICTE, provided it satisfies all the
conditions mentioned in these guidelines.

However, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.

Point 3:

(b) Any Institution, may apply for offering programmes
through the ODL mode and / or Online mode, which fulfils
the following conditions, namely:-

shall be in existence for at least five years; and

(i) shall be accredited by the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council with minimum score of 3.01 on a
4-point scale;

or

(ii) NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale
of 1,000

or

(iii) shall be in the top-100 in the University category in
the National Institutional Ranking Framework for at least
twice in last three preceding cycles (at the time of
application).

Provided further, Institution has to acquire NBA
Accreditation with a minimum score of 650 points on a scale
of 1000 in next 2-years from the date of initial approval.

(b) Any other Institution which fulfils the following
conditions may apply for offering programmes through the
ODL mode and / or Online mode.

shall be in existence for minimum five years with at least
two batches passed out; and

(i) shall be accredited by the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council with minimum score of 3.01 on a
4-point scale;

or

(ii) NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale
of 1,000

or

(iii) shall be in the top-100 in the University category in
the National Institutional Ranking Framework for at least
once in last two preceding cycles (at the time of
application).

Provided further, Institution has to acquire NAAC score of
3.26 on a 4-point scale or NBA Accreditation with a minimum
score of 700 points on a scale of 1000 in next 2-years from
the date of initial approval.

Moreover, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.

Point 3:

(c) Open Universities may run ODL / Online programmes only
in the courses permitted by AICTE from time to time,
provided they meet all the requirements of these
guidelines.

However, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.

Point 7:

Intake:

The approval of intake is maximum of three times of the
sanctioned intake of specific programme in conventional /
regular mode.

The ―Approved Intake‖ for ODL / Online Programmes / Courses
shall be as per the UGC (Open and Distance Learning mode
and Online Learning Mode) regulations dated 4th September
2020 and as amended from time to time.