After a last-minute directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC), state universities offering distance learning have been forced to discontinue their psychology programmes, despite already admitting students.

On August 12, the UGC issued a circular directing all higher education institutions (HEIs) to stop offering healthcare and healthcare-allied courses — including psychology — through online and distance learning (ODL) modes.

Apart from psychology, courses in microbiology, food nutrition and science, and biotechnology have also been barred from the ODL format. However, MA Psychology, one of the most sought-after programmes, has been hit the hardest.