Psychology and health care courses cannot be offered in distance learning mode: UGC , Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The UGC has directed higher education institutions to cease offering healthcare and allied discipline programs, including psychology and nutrition, through open and distance learning or online modes starting from the 2025 academic session.
• The ban is applicable to courses covered under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021.
• Institutions are instructed not to admit students into these programs from the upcoming academic session.
• The decision is motivated by concerns regarding maintaining quality standards in professional training.

Detailed Insights:

• The NCAHP Act, 2021 encompasses various disciplines such as psychology, microbiology, food and nutrition science, biotechnology, clinical nutrition, and dietetics.
• The UGC will withdraw any existing recognition granted to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for offering programs covered under the NCAHP Act, 2021 for the academic session July-August 2025 onwards.
• For programs with multiple specializations, only those specializations covered under the NCAHP Act, 2021 will be withdrawn from open and distance learning or online modes.
• This directive aims to ensure that professional training in healthcare and allied disciplines meets the required quality benchmarks.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UGC (University Grants Commission): A statutory body responsible for the coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards of higher education in India.
• NCAHP Act, 2021: Legislation that regulates and standardizes the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals.
• Open and Distance Learning: A mode of education where students are not required to be physically present in a traditional classroom setting.