A Complete Guide on Distance Education In India
What is distance education? A discipline of education called distance education, sometimes known as distance learning, focuses on methodology and andragogy, technology, and the design of instructional systems with the objective of providing knowledge to learners who are not physically "on campus." But are we aware of how popular and helpful these distance learning courses in India can be? If you are someone who is looking for distance learning courses in India, then this article is going to be like a complete guide for you on distance learning in India. Furthermore, online certification courses have made learning easier.
Have you ever been curious about how distance education works and how exams are conducted in distance education? What is the difference between distance education and regular education? Distance education, or distance learning, is the mode of education where one doesn’t have to attend regular classroom lectures. It has been around the world since the mid-1800s, when students used to submit tests and assignments by post, and has grown tremendously when it comes to popularity and achievement since then.
As of December 2012, all existing grade education certification courses in our country are regulated through the UGC. So, now, interested candidates who are unable to pursue regular education can enrol in a distance education university in India approved by UGC and fulfil their education. These distance learning courses are designed to meet the needs of working students and are also very popular with students belonging to remote areas with little access to budget-friendly tertiary institutions.
Current education certification courses are great and easily accessible online, with online lectures, chat rooms, and visual classes. Hence, students can pursue distance learning courses after 12th grade and pave the way for their careers. Making them a flexible and easy option for people who want to learn, no matter where they are residing, as long as they have access to the Web.
Also read: 40+ Distance Learning Courses approved by UGC
International trends in distance learning:
According to the 2011 annual report of Hanover Research, which outlines the potential and future trends in the e-learning world, there are currently 7 major platforms that offer higher education certification courses globally.
The list includes the names of some of the most respected and popular distance learning universities in the world such as;
Open University
University of Derby, United Kingdom
University of Maryland - University College, Adelphi, US
Drexel University Online, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia Open University)
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India
University of South Africa (UNISA)
According to the report, each of the universities listed above can be considered a real university. They are enjoying its enrollment of undergraduate students, which ranges from approximately 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 plus students annually.
The report added that although to some extent the choices made vary from university to university due to national and market realities. The course choices were also dependent on business and technology-related programs, and other technical fields were common in all seven institutions.
Other critical findings of the report include:
Africa and India are some of the fastest-growing markets for distance learning programs in the world due to the high demand for higher education that existing infrastructure cannot meet.
India is experiencing rapid growth for quality-oriented study material, with more than 25 percent of the total number of its students enrolled in distance learning programmes at various intermediate, state, and open universities due to the successful running of the distance education system in India.
An overview
According to the 2016–17 All India Survey of Higher Education, Indian secondary education is now very popular with people who want to go for further education. As a result, they were also welcomed by several open universities to start several distance learning programmes to meet the rapidly growing demand in the educational sector.
According to the survey, there is a national open university and the best university for distance education in India called Indira Gandhi National Open University, or IGNOU, in New Delhi, 13 state-level open universities, and one private open university that provides distance learning courses for students in the country.
In Maharashtra, for example, is the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) based in Nasik, which has been attracting a large number of students for enrolling in their distance education initiatives since 1998.
Further, with the exception of education certification courses, the number of male students applying for Indian study programmes is much higher than that of female candidates.
With the wise allocation of state knowledge to the students of the grades, six provinces, namely: Maharashtra (17.1), Delhi (15.4), Tamil Nadu (12.2), Andhra Pradesh (7.5), Kerala (5.7), and West Bengal (4.7), have donated a considerably big share of the distance education. In India, an estimated 63 percent of students enroll in distance learning courses.
Also read:
Why Distance Education?
There are a number of reasons why high school courses in India and elsewhere make great sense in today's context and are needed to protect the future of a number of qualified students and practicing professionals.
Have a look at some of the future market scope of distance education in India:
The Need for Flexibility: The current system of formal education is very rigid, making it difficult to implement new technologies and emerging technologies.
Population Growth: Significant population growth has put a lot of pressure on existing education infrastructure, making it increasingly difficult to meet demand.
Human Limitations: Many students living in remote and inaccessible areas across the country do not have the necessary facilities to pursue formal education, making distance learning courses in India the only viable option.
No Age Bar: Anyone who meets the prescribed qualification criteria for a variety of subjects can enroll in a degree programme course, regardless of age and location.
Financial reasons: When it comes to distance learning courses in India they are a lot cheaper than regular college degrees. For example, MBA tuition fees can vary from Rs.50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs, compared to anywhere between Rs. 5-15 lakhs for standard MBA degree courses.
Flexibility Factor: With the advent of e-learning and visual classes, students learning grade grades can now attend lessons from the comfort of their own home, at a time of their choice.
Graduation: Provides active professionals with the opportunity to improve their existing qualifications, without compromising on their job. There are several individuals in this country who cannot afford an education if they leave their jobs. Distance learning courses give them the opportunity to continue their work along with learning about a new course.
Self-Improvement: These distance learning courses train students in self-study methods and improve their self-esteem while improving their thinking and intellectual skills.
Discover & Learn: These distance learning courses provide students with the opportunity to learn while continuing to lead is one of the most important features of grade education.
Quick Promotions: Getting an extra degree, diploma, or certificate can greatly increase your job opportunities and open the door to promotion.
Distance Learning Courses in India
All thanks to a rapid growth in demand, numerous Indian higher education institutions and universities are offering distance education courses to students across the country, ranging from education certificate courses to post-graduation courses in a wide range of subjects from business to technology. Making the right choice of your favourite education certificate courses and enrollment center for an education certificate course makes a huge difference depending on your job prospects in the future, so be careful and choose a reputable institution.
Look at the distance education courses list. Some of the popular study options for online education courses on offer are:
Distance Undergraduate courses
Sc. Technical Information (B.Sc IT)
Distance Postgraduate Studies
Qualifications (B.Ed)
Master in Interior Design
Master in Fashion Management & Design (MFM)
Master of Science in Information Technology (M.Sc IT)
Dual Degree Courses
Executive Diploma in International Business Management + MBA
Extended Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership + MBA
Postgraduate Diploma Courses
PG Diploma in Information Technology
PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
PG Diploma in Business Administration
Top 10 Universities for Distance Education in India
The world-famous Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, which comes under the top 10 distance education universities in India, is India's most well-known and largest distance learning programme. One of the top 10 distance education universities in India, IGNOU was established in 1985 by the central government with the mandate to serve the people of the country through long-distance and open education programs.
With a total enrollment of more than 4 million students, it is also reported to be the largest university of its kind in the world, other than being one of the top 10 distance education universities in India. Some of the most respected and accredited distance education colleges and universities to pursue postgraduate studies in India include;
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Inland Open University, Patna, Bihar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IGNOU is a trusted and accredited government distance education university. The degrees granted by IGNOU are valid and recognized not only in India but abroad.
Any candidate who completes his graduation from distance mode or regular mode is eligible for the Civil Service exam that must have obtained graduation from recognized University. The Civil Service Examination is organized by UPSC every year to recruit candidates for IAS or IPS.
Yes, pursuing dual degrees in India has now been approved by the UGC in India. It further allows students to take up courses in one or two different streams or professional degrees at the same time. Till now, Indian universities have been usually offering integrated degrees to aspirants.
Yes, pursuing 2 distance education courses is valid as per the Distance Education Council (DEC), which states that if a student is unable to pursue their degree simultaneously within the regular mode, they are allowed to pursue 2 distance programmes or possibly a combination of distance and non-distance course at the same time.
As a top-rated academic institution, the Open University's degrees are respected by employers. In fact, 75 percent of the top 100 FTSE companies have sponsored their staff on these courses.
Some top universities that offer B.Sc in India through the distance learning mode are IGNOU, Andhra University, Visakhapattnam, Dr. BR Ambedkar University in Hyderabad among others.
Professionals are getting benefited by Distance Learning. A Distance MBA has an equal value as a full time MBA because ultimately both of these courses offer you a University recognized degree which is acceptable across all industries.
IIMs are quite sought-after when it comes to pursuing management from India’s top business schools. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is currently not offering any MBA courses via the distance mode. Candidates looking to pursue distance courses from IIM, must go ahead and search for alternatives offering MBA through distance mode.
Part time MBA Fees is generally less than Full Time MBA option and you have the advantage of continuing your salary income while studying. There is a great advantage of distance learning MBA as Fees are lowest compared to other options and if your budget is not high then distance MBA is the best possible option for you.
Yes, eligibility to pursue B.E./B.tech from the distance mode is merely clearing your 12th standard board examinations with at least 60% aggregate marks. Further, if you have a diploma to back it up, it would be a plus.
Yes, you can pursue your B.Tech degree from IGNOU in the distance mode of education. Spread across a 4-year period, this undergraduate degree is perfect for those who have an inclination towards technology, machines and equipment.
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Questions related to Education
Hello,
Yes, it is feasible to pursue an MBA through distance education along with doing your CA articleship because ICAI does not prohibit it in the first place. But then you need to follow ICAI regulation, which states that a CA articleship requires full time commitment. To comply you have to inform ICAI about your intention to pursue the other course and seek prior permission through Form 112. Ensure the timings of your MBA classes, even if these are online, do not clash with your articleship hours.
Value of an MBA besides CA:
- Improved Business Acumen : An MBA gives one a broader perspective on business management, leadership, and strategy, complementing the technical expertise one gains from CA.
- Career Scope: With CA and MBA, you can explore finance, investment banking, management consulting, and senior management roles.
- Networking: The opportunities to connect with your peers and professionals are available through the MBA programs, even when conducted in distance mode. Your professional network will widen.
- Leadership Skills: The MBA program focuses on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership that are essential for your career growth.
Align your specialization with MBA in your career goals like finance, marketing, or operations, to gain maximum value.
Hello aspirant,
Chemistry was marked as additional, and you did not pass it, so you may need to retake the exam. To be eligible for NEET, you must pass all three core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). with a minimum of 40% marks for a OBC candidate. If you do not pass Chemistry, you may be unable to sit for NEET until you clear that subject
Because Chemistry is a fundamental subject for NEET, you should pass the Chemistry exam (by re-test or additional exam). To be eligible for NEET, you must pass all of your core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
Confirm the status of your Chemistry subject with your school or board. If it was designated as additional and you did not pass, enquire about how to clear it (for example, through a supplementary or re-test).
Once you have completed all of the needed topics (including Chemistry), you will be able to take the NEET 2025. Make sure you meet the minimum aggregate marks necessary for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology together.
NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam in India for undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS, and other associated degrees) in medical colleges around the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers NEET, which is a very important entrance test for aspiring medical students.
The minimum marks required in Class 12 are:
- General category: At least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
- OBC/SC/ST categories: At least 40% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
For more information on NEET examination visit-
https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/neet-2025-latest-news-updates
though the BOSSE certificate are Generally accepted by most University still it will be a very good idea to check the specific eligibility of the university that you are interested in some universities me as specific requirements for students from regular School.You can contact the universities admission office to clarify any doubts.Many University especially the top ones require the students to clear the entrance exams like JEE mains neet clat etc. So if you perform well in these exams they will give you a significant boost. Still most importantly there is a great chance that you won't be facing any problem as the marksheet is accepted by all the universities in India
Hello,
To get into BHU's B.Com (Hons.) in Financial Markets Management , you must qualify and get through CUET. The reason is that BHU uses CUET scores for undergraduate admissions. So, pass Class 12 with a Commerce background, with Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies as subjects, and at least 50%-60% aggregate, depending on category-specific relaxations.
Apply for the CUET selecting BHU and the course B.Com (Hons.). Prepare for CUET subjects General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning and Commerce. After the examinations, appear for BHU counseling on the basis of your CUET rank and scores. Prepare all the certificates like Class 12 marksheets and identity proofs and the scorecard of CUET. If shortlisted, then collect the fees and complete all the formalities to get a seat.
For doing a B.Ed in Special education in Mental retardation you must have had secured a minimum 50% from a recognised board, however this may vary across universities and colleges, the admission process too usually requires a few documents and mostly it is done online.