Chennai: University of Madras has changed its distance education institute’s name to get the approval for eight distance mode programmes from University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Distance Education Bureau for the 2026-27 academic year.Institute of Distance Education (IDE) at the university has been renamed as Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) according to UGC’s regulations.University of Madras has stopped admissions to eight distance mode programmes – BA French, BA sociology, MA sociology, Bachelor of Fine Arts, MA journalism, MA Christian studies, BSc geography and MS geography for 2026-27 as it did not get approval from UGC.UGC sought clarifications from the university about not changing the distance education institute’s name as per its regulations and appointing a full-time director to the Institute of Distance Education“The university loses its revenue as it had received ₹70 lakhs as tuition fee from these eight degree programmes in 2025-26. Further, the approval for MBA and MCA degree programmes offered through the distance mode are also ceases on Jan 2027. Any interruption or non-approval of these programmes would result in recurring financial loss to the university besides affecting the continuation of the programmes and interests of students enrolled therein,” a resolution passed by the University’s syndicate said.Further, the syndicate also decided to call for applications for filling posts including controller of examinations, director of institute of distance education and dean of college development council at the university.“UGC’s distance education bureau has withheld its approval citing the lack of full-time director and controller of examinations at the University. After calling for applications, we plan to apply for permission with UGC to offer these programmes. The last date to enrol students is Oct 13,” an official from the university said.As of now, more than 20,000 students are enrolled in the distance mode courses. The university is also planning to launch eight online courses including BBA, BCom and BA French.
