Big news for students across India: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially banned online and distance education programs in Psychology but not all psychology courses are affected.
So what does this mean for you?
Can you still study psychology online?
Will your degree become invalid?
Is there any alternative?
Here’s a simple, no-jargon breakdown to help you understand what’s really happening—and what you should do next.
What Is the UGC Ban on Psychology About?
In August 2025, the UGC announced that from the 2025–26 academic session, no university or educational institution in India will be allowed to offer online or open and distance learning (ODL) courses in:
- Psychology (linked to healthcare or behavioral health)
- Allied health sciences
- Other healthcare-related programs like nutrition, biotechnology, etc.
The ban specifically targets degree programs in health-aligned psychology fields—programs that involve behavior modification, patient care, or practical interventions.
Why Did UGC Ban These Courses?
The UGC explained that programs related to healthcare, therapy, and behavioral health require:
- Hands-on training
- Supervised practical sessions
- Clinical or field exposure
These cannot be effectively delivered through online-only formats. The decision is meant to protect the quality of education and public safety, especially for future practitioners in mental health and wellness.
What Psychology Courses Are Still Allowed?
Here’s the good news:
Not all psychology is banned.
Psychology is a vast field, and only the healthcare-linked segments are affected. You can still:
Study psychology offline (regular, on-campus programs)
UGC has only banned the online/distance format for certain courses. Regular classroom-based degrees continue as usual.
Pursue non-clinical psychology through online or hybrid formats
Courses that are not linked to therapy or health services, such as research-based, theoretical, or organizational psychology programs, may still be allowed.
Enroll in short-term skill-based certificate courses
These are practical, topic-specific courses (not full degrees) and are not affected by the UGC ruling.
What This Means for You (as a Student)
This isn’t a complete shutdown—it’s a restructuring.
If you’re:
- Planning to study psychology for corporate, research, academic, or theoretical roles
You can still explore online or hybrid options.
If you’re:
- Looking for a degree that involves counseling, therapy, or behavioral health
You’ll now need to choose a regular on-campus program.
If you’re:
- Currently enrolled in an online psychology degree
Institutions may still complete your current session—but new admissions will not be allowed from 2025 onward.
What You Should Do Now
Here’s a quick action plan:
- Check your course type – Is it therapy-based or theory-based?
- Contact your university – Will the course continue? Is it affected by the ban?
- Explore on-campus options – If you need a health-aligned degree, go offline.
- Consider certificate programs – If you’re upskilling, these are flexible and legal.
- Avoid enrolling in banned formats – Your degree might not be recognized in the future.
Summary: What’s Banned vs What’s Not
| Course Type | Online/Distance (ODL) | Offline (Regular Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare-linked Psychology Degrees | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Non-clinical/Theoretical Psychology | Case-by-case | Allowed |
| Skill-based Psychology Certificates | Allowed | Allowed |
Final Words: Don’t Panic, Just Pivot
This UGC update is big—but it doesn’t mean the end of your psychology journey.
Psychology is more than one path. Whether you’re passionate about understanding people, exploring the mind, helping others, or working in organizations—you still have options.
Stay informed
Choose wisely
And keep learning—because psychology, in all its forms, is here to stay.
