Kurukshetra University approves 11 distance learning courses

Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva today said the university’s Distance and Online Education Centre will start 11 new Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes from July 2026.

Prof Sachdeva stated that a high-level meeting was convened on Monday and it was decided that in line with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), 11 new Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes will be started from July 2026.

In an era of rapid global change and rising competitiveness, the university is providing programmes that ensure employability, innovation and self-reliance.

As per the decision, the Centre will start new undergraduate, certificate and diploma programmes in the ODL mode from July 2026 as per NEP-2020. Major UG programmes include BSc Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics and Geography. After graduation, new certificate and diploma programmes will also be offered in Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance, Business Analytics, etc.

In addition, a one-year Diploma in Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship will begin, aimed at promoting tourism-based entrepreneurship in rural areas and building local self-reliance among youth.

As per the Vice-Chancellor, it was also decided that students enrolled in the existing UG programmes will now have the option to earn a Minor Degree by completing 24 additional credits of core courses. This will provide learners with the opportunity to gain specialisation in another subject alongside their main degree.

Prof Sachdeva said the initiative will provide multidimensional learning opportunities and open new pathways for employment, startups and entrepreneurship.

Centre Director Prof Manjula Chaudhary explained the importance, relevance and curricular structure of these programmes, stating that the centre provides affordable, flexible and high-quality learning support — especially beneficial for learners who cannot pursue regular studies due to job, family responsibilities or geographical limitations. She added that the system will be strengthened further in coming years.

During this meeting, it was also decided to set up a Grievance Cell for distance and online learners.