Before paying any admission fee for an online degree, verify its recognition yourself. It takes about ten minutes.
Step 1: Confirm the university is recognized
Check that the university appears in the official UGC list of recognized universities on the UGC website (ugc.gov.in).
Step 2: Confirm the specific program is entitled
A recognized university is not automatically approved for every online program. Look for the UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau) or online-program entitlement listing for the exact course you want, such as MBA or BCA.
Step 3: Check the academic year
Entitlement is granted for specific academic sessions. Make sure the approval covers the year you plan to enroll in.
Step 4: Ask for it in writing
Ask the university or your counsellor to share the entitlement letter or official link. A genuine institution will give it to you without hesitation.
Red flags
- No mention of UGC approval anywhere on the university site.
- Pressure to pay immediately "before the offer ends".
- Fees sent to a personal account instead of the university.
Read more in Is an Online Degree Valid for Government Jobs? and on our accreditation page.
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