RECOGNITION, ASSESSMENT, AND ACCREDITATION OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

ABSTRACT

In the last couple of years, the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system of India had witnessed three major milestones: The first was the notification of UGC (ODL) Regulations 2017 by University Grants Commission (UGC); the second was notification of UGC (Online) Regulations 2018, also by UGC; and the third was the launch of the Scheme for Assessment and Accreditation of ODL Institutions by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In this paper, an attempt was made to study the impact of the UGC (ODL) Regulations 2017, UGC (Online) Regulations 2018 and the assessment and accreditation processes of NAAC, on the Open Universities (OUs), in bringing about qualitative improvements in their operations. Also, the current status of the OUs was evaluated in light of the above developments. The authors outlined the steps needed to strengthen the OUs and enhance their role, responsibility and relevance in the changed scenario.