Kollam: Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SGOU) has invited applications for the first batch UG and PG distance programs on Saturday, in the wake of University Grant Commission (UGC) nod.
The central agency the other day had permitted the newly formed institution to run courses, after rejecting its applications multiple times earlier. The approval from UGC Distance Education Bureau is based on an online review. SGOU was established two years ago.

At present, it has permitted five UG programs and two PG programs. They are BA Arabic, BA English, BA Hindi, BA Malayalam, BA Sanskrit, MA English and MA Malayalam. The applications can be submitted online through SGOU’s website: https://sgou.ac.in/.

It may be noted here that Kerala government in an order had said that admissions to UG and PG distance mode courses will be permitted in the four major state-run universities only if UGC rejects SGOU’s move seeking approval for distance courses under it. The move received flak, while the attempt failed as UGC denied approval last time. Meanwhile, Kerala High Court ordered that Kerala University and Calicut University should be allowed to run programs for which SGOU has not sought approval.

The government has been mulling to bring distance education under the single roof of SGOU, mirroring union government’s Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The new development comes at this juncture.