Centre for Open Learning and Distance Education (CODE),
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand
1. Background and Context
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) was founded on December 1, 1973 as Garhwal University, born out of a grassroots movement for accessible higher education in Uttarakhand. Renamed in 1989 to honour Shri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna, and upgraded to a Central University, in 2009, it has grown into a premier national institution.
With its headquarters in Srinagar (Garhwal) and three campuses—Birla Campus (Srinagar with Chauras extension), BGR Campus (Pauri), and SRT Campus (Tehri)—along with 70+ affiliated colleges, the University serves seven districts (Dehradun, Hardwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli) of the Garhwal region. Its geographical spread across hilly and difficult areas makes it an ideal institution to take forward the vision of NEP 2020 for inclusivity and equity in higher education.
The University runs 51 departments under 11 schools, offering 14 UG, 59 PG, 2 Integrated, 4 PG Diploma, 4 Diploma programmes, and Ph.D. in 48 disciplines in regular mode. It also offers region-specific courses addressing Himalayan socioeconomic and ecological needs.
Set in the Himalayan foothills, HNB Garhwal University blends tradition and innovation, fostering academic excellence, sustainable thinking, and community development while attracting scholars from across the India and abroad.
The UGC (Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 (with amendments) permits Central Universities with valid NAAC accreditation to offer programmes in the ODL mode. In this context, HNBGU proposes to establish the Centre of Open Learning and Distance Education (CODE) to expand access to the aspirants of higher education, especially for underserved learners in remote and difficult Himalayan regions and working professionals.
Importantly, in its initial phase, the Centre (CODE) will use existing human resources, existing building space, and ICT facilities, thereby ensuring financial prudence.
Vision & Mission
- To provide inclusive education for learners in remote and underserved regions.
- To implement NEP 2020 reforms through multidisciplinary UG and Diploma programmes with flexible entry–exit.
- To enhance employability through skill-oriented and lifelong learning programmes.
- To increase accessibility of higher education to its aspirants and to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
2. Objectives
The following are the key objectives underpinning the proposal for initiating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University:
- To expand equitable access to learners for quality higher education through ODL.
- To offer flexible, multidisciplinary, and skill-based learning pathways aligned with NEP 2020.
- To provide opportunities for lifelong learning, vocational education, and employability.
- To ensure compliance with UGC-DEB guidelines, maintain academic quality and learner support systems.
- To establish a financially self-sustaining model through programme revenues.
- To facilitate and ease student access for pursuing two degrees simultaneously.
3. Governance Structure
The governance structure for the running the proposed ODL programmes in the HNB Garhwal University is as follows:
- Director (Professor, additional charge initially),
- Joint/Deputy Director (Academic/Administration, from existing faculty/officials),
- Programme Coordinators (drawn from faculty of respective departments),
- Administrative Support Staff (redeployed from existing establishment/ outsource),
- ICT & LMS Support (University ICT Cell).
A Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) will be constituted as per the guidelines of UGC-DEB to oversee policy, programme approvals, and quality monitoring.
Compliance with UGC-DEB Guidelines
- Programmes: 09 Undergraduate (B.A. & B. Com.) & 01 PG Programme (MBA)
- Approval process through the Academic Council, Executive Council, and UGC-DEB.
- Development of Self-Learning Material (SLM) in print & digital formats.
- Establishment of Learning Management System (LMS) and Student Support Centres.
- Annual academic audit and submission of reports to UGC-DEB.
- Commitment to achieve NAAC/AQAR recognition within 5 years.
4. Academic Programmes (Phase I – NEP 2020 Framework)
4.1 Undergraduate/Post Graduate Degree Programmes
(All aligned to NEP 2020’s Four-Year UG Framework with multiple exit options; flexible credit-based system)
Program to be offered
No. of programs
Major Subject (Any one)
Bachelors of Arts (B.A) with Major and Minor (As per NEP 2020)
3 Years Degree course
&
4th Year with Honours degree
Eight (08) Four-Year undergraduate degree programmes (As per NEP 2020)
Sociology
Economics
History
Political Science
Hindi
English
Sanskrit
Mathematics
Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com.)
3-Year Degree course
&
4th Year with Honours degree
One (01) undergraduate degree program (As per NEP 2020)
Commerce
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
One (01) Postgraduate degree program (As per NEP 2020)
4.2 Programme: Duration/Entry requirements/Medium of instruction
B.A. program: The B.A. program shall follow the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) structure in accordance with NEP-2020. Students exiting after the first year shall be awarded an Undergraduate Certificate, after the second year an Undergraduate Diploma, and after the successful completion of the third year, a Bachelor’s Degree. The fourth year of study shall lead to the award of B.A. (Honours) in the chosen Major subject. Students who meet the prescribed research requirements may additionally be awarded the B.A. (Honours with Research) degree.
B.Com. program: The B.Com. program shall follow the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) structure in accordance with NEP-2020, with Commerce as the Major subject. Students exiting after the first year shall be awarded an Undergraduate Certificate in Commerce, after the second year an Undergraduate Diploma in Commerce, and after successful completion of the third year, a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. The fourth year of study shall lead to the award of B.Com. (Honours) in Commerce. Students who meet the prescribed research requirements may additionally be awarded the B.Com. (Honours with Research) degree.
Entry Qualifications (For UG Programmes) : 10+2 or its equivalent.
Medium of Instruction (For UG Programmes) : Hindi and English.
MBA program:
Entry Qualifications: Graduation or its equivalent.
Medium of Instruction: Hindi and English.
(Maximum duration, entry and/or exit to/from any program shall be as defined for the analogous regular programs of the university).
Office Order No. 78 (Assigned Additional Responsibility in CODE)