Established 2009 · Non-profit accreditation council
Raising the standard of distance & online education
The Distance Learning Council of India brings together academicians, policymakers and institutions to promote quality, credibility and trust in open and distance learning.
Who we are
A national voice for open & distance learning
DLCI is a prominent national professional body representing academicians, policymakers, administrators and other stakeholders of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system of education.
Our membership includes Open Universities, conventional universities offering dual-mode programmes, extension education institutes and other academic institutions. Over the years, DLCI has gained international recognition, attracting participation and interest from the global academic community.
More about DLCI
Why it matters
Quality that learners, institutions and society can trust
As education moves beyond the classroom, clear standards make sure that learning at a distance is as credible as learning on campus.
For learners
Confidence that a programme is structured, quality-oriented and delivered by an institution held to recognised standards.
For institutions
Independent guidance and recommendations that strengthen academic, administrative and quality-assurance practices.
For employers
Assurance that qualifications are awarded on genuine academic achievement and aligned with industry needs.
For society
Wider access to education and lifelong learning for people of every age, background and location.
The bigger picture
Education is no longer limited by distance
Distance learning lets people of diverse ages, backgrounds, professions and locations pursue higher education, without leaving their work, family or community.
- Growing demand for lifelong learning and continuous professional development
- Technology has removed the physical boundaries of the campus
- A clear need for standards by which distance and online programmes can be judged
DLCI meets that need by setting standards and criteria that help institutions maintain academic quality and give learners structured, quality-oriented opportunities.
Accreditation grades
A mark of quality institutions are proud to display
Accredited institutions receive one of three grades, each with its own official DLCI seal.
Accredited with Distinction
Awarded to institutions that consistently exceed DLCI standards across every area of evaluation.
Accredited with Merit
Awarded to institutions that fully meet DLCI standards and show strong quality practices.
Accredited with Credit
Awarded to institutions that meet DLCI standards, with recommendations for further improvement.
Learning opportunities
Flexible pathways across many disciplines
DLCI-associated institutions offer academic, professional and vocational education that learners can pursue on their own terms.
Membership
Join a network committed to quality
Accreditation is voluntary. It is for institutions that want to demonstrate their commitment to high educational standards and to the growth of distance education.