Kottayam: In a major boost for the academic initiatives of the Mahatma Gandhi University, the University Grants Commission has granted permission to launch online UG and PG programs. Dr. Sabu Thomas, Vice Chancellor of the Mahatma Gandhi University, said that MG is the first university in Kerala to get this approval from the UGC.

The UGC – Distance Education Bureau has given the approval to launch online BCom, BBA and MCom programs. The Vice Chancellor, in a press meet, said that the admissions for this year would be open until November. The university has also sought approval to start 10 more online courses.

The admission process, teaching, managing the academics, receiving fee, valuation and preparation of mark lists would be done through the MGU – ALEMS (Automated Learning and Evaluation Management System) software that the university had developed earlier. Meanwhile, MGUIF (Mahatma Gandhi University Innovation Foundation), a subsidiary company of the university would provide the required assistance for online learning.

Since territorial jurisdiction of the universities won’t be applicable for the online courses, students from anywhere in the world can join these programs. Moreover, it would be a great help to the expatriate Keralites too.

As per the UGC guidelines, exams could be conducted at approved examination centers or using remote protected exam features.