Mumbai: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed higher education institutions to discontinue healthcare and allied discipline programmes through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode starting the July-August 2025 academic session.

The decision, based on recommendations from the 24th Distance Education Bureau Working Group meeting held on April 22 and ratified at the UGC's 592nd meeting on July 23, covers courses under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021.

These include Psychology, Microbiology, Food and Nutrition Science, Biotechnology, and Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.

As per the circular, existing recognition for such programmes will be withdrawn, and institutions are barred from admitting students from 2025-26. For programmes offering multiple specialisations, only healthcare-related majors will be discontinued, while non-healthcare subjects will remain unaffected.

The move aims to address concerns over quality in professional training. Former Mumbai University psychology professor Satishchandra noted that rising demand for psychology has led to poor standards in many institutions, adding, “This decision will help curb such practices.”

Welcoming the step, MU Psychology Department head Vivek Belhekar said, “Clinical psychology needs rigorous hands-on training with a 2:1 student-teacher ratio as per Rehabilitation Council of India norms, which ODL cannot ensure.”

However, he cautioned about limited seat availability and urged UGC to explore structured online models to meet growing demand.