A big news has come out for students across the country. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has banned the distance learning of psychology i.e. distance education course. This decision has affected more than 1.3 lakh students. These include students who are currently doing the undergraduate or postgraduate course of psychology and also those who already have a degree in this subject. Now such students have started worrying about the validity of their degree and further studies.

Causes to stop
The UGC took this step because psychology now comes under the National Associate and Healthcare Professional Commission (NCAHP). NCAHP is a government institution monitoring health -related professions, which was established in 2021. Under this, the Destance Education Branch of the UGC withdrew the permission to run the distance course of psychology to the universities that were running it earlier.

Students and teachers increased concern
This decision has created a lot of concern and confusion among students and teachers. Many universities who had been running this course for years, are now upset with this sudden decision. Students are also worried about what will be recognized by their degree and how their career will be affected further.

Dr. US Pandey, former Principal of Delhi University School of Open Learning, says that the syllabus of the distance course is similar to the regular course, so it is not right to close it. At the same time, many experts believe that the distance courses are not completely suitable in healthcare work.

Increasing popularity of distance course
Psychology’s distance courses have become increasingly popular in the last few years. In 2020-21, 17 universities across the country used to offer such courses, which increased to 57 in 2024-25. In Telangana and Tamil Nadu, most of the state universities are offering these courses.

Experts believe that this decision is against the National Education Policy (NEP). The aim of NEP is to make education accessible to everyone, but the facility of students has adversely affected by banning distance learning.

Students’ problems
After this decision, it has become a matter of great concern for students and graduate students currently studying. Students are now worried about whether their degree will be considered valid or not. At the same time, students who have already received degrees in this subject, can face further studies or jobs.

Role of UGC and NCAHP
The purpose of installation of NCAHP is to ensure the quality and standards of health professionals. By bringing psychology under this board, the UGC has banned distance learning. However, instead of giving time to students with this decision, it was immediately implemented, due to which students and teachers are facing confusion.

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