Jamia Islamia University (JMI) has confirmed that the varsity Arjun Singh Centre for Distance and Open Learning (CDOL) has not been derecognized by the University Grant Commission (UGC), instead, it is awaiting approval. The University has applied to UGC under revised distance mode higher education policy. JMI will start the admission process for academic session 2019-20 immediately after the clearance from the UGC.

According to the UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations 2017, an institution has to apply to the higher education regulator for approval if they are planning to offer courses in distance mode. The institutions had to apply at least six months before the start of the academic session of the program planning to offer.


In some section of the media, it was reported that the UGC has derecognized the Centre for Distance and Open Learning (CDOL), JMI. Denying the media report, Jamia Millia Islamia has cleared the air through a press release.

On Wednesday, a group of students had submitted the memorandum to the Director of the university seeking the proper clarification on the matter. The students also enquired about the release of admission form for the upcoming session.

The officials of the university said that they had applied to the UGC to get the recognition for the varsity distance learning courses under the revised distance mode higher education policy which came in out in 2017. University official also mentioned that they are waiting for the UGC clearance for same.

The admission of candidates in CDOL is based on the marks scored in the qualifying exam from a recognized Board/University/Institute. The students have to fulfil the eligibility criteria. The admission form can be obtained online and also the hard copy from the office of JMI or the Study Centre. The University releases the list of shortlisted candidates for admission to all programmes except BEd on the official website/study centre.

The admission to BEd courses is based on an entrance test. The BEd entrance test is based on multiple choice questions. The test covers the topics such as General Mental Ability, General Knowledge / Awareness (including Indian Geography, History, Constitution, Economy), Teaching Aptitude and issues related to education.

There are a total of 19 courses/programmes being offered by the centre of distance and open learning. The programme offered at CDOL, JMI is Master, Bachelor, PG Diploma, Diploma, and Certificate.

The Bachelor programmes are offered in (Arts, Business Administration, Commerce, Commerce-International Business and Finance, and Education). Whereas the Master programme in (Commerce, Education, English, Hindi, History, Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Political Science, and Sociology).

The University offers the certificate programme in Computer Hardware and Network Technology, Information Technology (IT). The Diploma programme is offered in (Childhood Care & Education) and PG Diploma programmes in (Geoinformatics, Guidance and Counselling).

Jamia Millia Islamia is a public central university located in Delhi. JMI was established during the British rule in 1920. The University became a central university by an act of the Indian Parliament in 1988. The University Grant Commission (UGC) declared the Jamia a “deemed to be University” in the year 1962. JMI has 9 faculties namely Education, Humanities & Languages, Social Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and Law. There are 39 teaching departments, 7 Schools, and various research centres. JMI offers 56 Doctoral, 76 Masters, 14 Postgraduate, 54 Undergraduate, 11 Advanced Diploma, 23 Diploma, 24 Certificate, and 19 Schools programmes.

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