How to Check UGC-DEB Approval in 5 Minutes
Updated October 2026 · Based on the university's published information
UGC-DEB (the Distance Education Bureau of the University Grants Commission) publishes the list of universities entitled to offer online and distance programmes, session by session. A university is approved for online study only if it appears on that list for your admission session, with your programme.
Get free counselling
Independent counselling by Gradify Learning. Takes 30 seconds.
- Counselling is free. Fees are paid only to the university, on its official portal.
- Your details go only to the universities you ask about. We never sell them.
- Fees shown are as listed on the university's official site.
Thank you!
A Gradify Learning counsellor will call you within one working day (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–7 PM) about the Online MBA.
Step by step
Five steps to check UGC-DEB approval
- Go to deb.ugc.ac.in and open the section listing recognised or entitled higher education institutions.
- Choose online programmes (not ODL) and your academic session.
- Find the university by name and state.
- Open its programme list and confirm your programme, for example MBA or MCA.
- Cross-check on the university's site, which usually shows a UGC-DEB approval letter or notice.
Universities we cover
Online universities in India we compare
Each of these universities states UGC entitlement for online programmes on its official site. Re-check the DEB list for your session.
| University | NAAC | NIRF 2025 | Online MBA fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ Online) | A+ | 58 (University) | ₹1,80,000 |
| Sikkim Manipal University (SMU Online) | A+ | — | ₹1,20,000 |
| NMIMS CDOE | A++ | 24 (Management), 52 (University) | ₹1,96,000 |
| Amity University Online | A+ | 22 (University) | ₹2,25,000 |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU Online) | A++ | 31 (University), 44 (Management) | ₹1,61,600 |
| Chandigarh University Online | A+ | 19 (University), 32 (Management) | ₹2,20,000 |
| Shoolini University Online | A+ | 69 (University) | ₹1,30,000 |
| Vivekananda Global University (VGU Online) | A+ | — | ₹1,50,000 |
| GLA University Online | A+ | 101–125 (Management), 101–150 (University) | ₹97,000 |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (DPU Online) | A++ | 41 (University), 71 (Overall) | ₹1,89,400 |
| Andhra University Online (CDOE) | A++ | 23 (University), 41 (Overall) | ₹62,200 |
Choosing
Best online university in India: how to decide
There is no single best; pick on these five points.
- UGC entitlement for your programme and session
- NAAC grade (A++, A+ or A)
- NIRF rank, if you care about brand
- Fee and EMI within your budget
- Eligibility you actually meet (some need 50% in graduation)
Admission support
How Gradify helps you get admitted
Free counselling from shortlisting to enrolment.
Ready to start your application?Mon–Sat, 10 AM–7 PM. Call, WhatsApp or request a callback.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What is UGC-DEB?
The Distance Education Bureau of the University Grants Commission, which regulates open, distance and online programmes in India.
Is UGC-DEB approval needed for an online degree?
Yes. The university must be entitled to offer that programme online in your admission session.
What is a DEB ID?
A unique learner ID created on the ABC/DEB portal during admission to an online or distance programme.
Is a UGC-approved online degree valid?
Yes. UGC treats degrees from entitled universities as equivalent to on-campus degrees.
Is an online degree equal to a regular degree?
Yes, if the university is entitled by UGC to offer that programme online. Under the UGC (ODL and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, online degrees from entitled universities are treated as equivalent to regular degrees. Check the programme on the UGC-DEB website before you pay.
Can I study this while working full time?
Yes. Online programmes are built for working learners, with recorded lectures, weekend or evening live sessions and online exams. Plan for about 8–12 hours a week.
How do I get the brochure and the latest fee sheet?
Fill in the form on this page or message us on WhatsApp at +91 79800 06284. A Gradify counsellor shares the university brochure, fee sheet and EMI options during working hours (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–7 PM).
Does Gradify charge anything for counselling?
No. Counselling and admission guidance from Gradify are free and there is no obligation to apply.
How admission works
From enquiry to enrolment in four steps
A free call to understand your goals and check eligibility.
Compare specialisations, fees and EMI options with us.
Submit your application and documents on the official university portal.
The university reviews your application and confirms admission.
Ready to take the first step?Free, no-obligation counselling. Mon–Sat, 10 AM–7 PM.
Book my free counselling call