NEW DELHI: The UGC will allow 900 autonomous colleges in the country to start their own online courses in July as part of its drive to expand online education and become part of the national education policy. These courses will have the same recognition as offline courses. Relaxations will be given on marks, attendance and syllabus.

Autonomous colleges that have made it into the top 100 at least twice in the national ranking of educational institutions can start online courses without the prior approval of the UGC. At present, only central and state universities have permission for online courses.

All non-technical and non-lab related topics can be made available online. Subjects like machine learning, artificial intelligence and data science that are not available offline can also be taught online.

• One should pass 12th std to join degree course and degree to join PG course
• 75 percent attendance requirement is not applicable. Colleges can decide on attendance.
• Students will be able to attempt exams online. There will also be examinations by the National Testing Agency
• Opportunity to stop and rejoin multiple times
• Digital library facility to study. The guideline will be released next month
• At present, 351 courses are available online through 59 higher education institutions