Top 10 Indian Universities Offering Distance Education Courses
In today's fast-paced world, distance education has become more popular among professionals and students looking for flexibility in their academic journeys. In response to this need, Indian universities offer top distance learning initiatives in several subject areas. Students can pursue these distance education courses, balance jobs, and study from any location.
For students facing personal, professional, or geographic constraints that prevent them from attending regular classes, distance degree courses offer an ideal alternative. Universities deliver these programmes through digital platforms, providing students with convenience and easy access.
Numerous reputable remote learning institutions in India offer accredited, well-run, and reasonably priced courses. Whether you want to pursue undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or diploma programmes, these universities can meet your educational needs. Let us learn the top ten Indian colleges that provide distance degree courses.
Also Read:
Top Indian Universities Offering Distance Education Courses
Given the growing significance of distance education, there has been a notable surge in the demand for online courses and certifications, reflecting a shift towards accessible educational options. Many top distance education universities in India provide unique education offerings to fulfil students’ needs and deliver them industry-ready education.
Here, we have compiled the top 10 Indian universities offering distance degree courses that will help you continue your studies while working. So, let us dive into the distance education courses:
1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
This is one of the top Indian universities offering distance education courses at a reasonable cost. The faculties of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) are professionally qualified and well-experienced. IGNOU provides distance learning courses in India at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels in various fields.
Admissions to online distance degrees are conducted based on merit. IGNOU distance degree courses offer high-quality, innovative and affordable programs to not only save time but also strengthen students' learning, making it one of the best open universities in India.
2. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) is one of the top Indian universities offering distance education courses. It offers correspondence courses, along with online diploma courses and postgraduate diplomas in a variety of areas, including finance, marketing, and management. Students are offered quality academic resources in the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL). The fees for these distance programmes range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 80,000.
The placement aid is also remarkable with companies such as HDFC Bank Ltd. and Reliance Retail. This distance university also provides corporate programmes in collaboration with leading organisations such as IBM and Cipla. SCDL's virtual classroom facility overcomes distance barriers, and online faculty chat sessions allow students to interact with instructors effortlessly.
Also Read: Top 17 Distance Education Courses Offered By Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
3. Chandigarh University Distance Education
One of the prestigious names in distance education programmes is Chandigarh University. The university offers distance programmes in disciplines such as management, arts, commerce, and computer applications, among others. Chandigarh University's flexible distance courses enable students to learn and study at their own pace and convenience.
The distance education courses provided at Chandigarh University include MBA, BBA, B.Com, M.Com, and BA. Students are provided with an industry-oriented curriculum developed by experienced faculty members of the programme. The fee for these distance courses range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000.
Also read: Best Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education Courses
4. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute
Distance education universities in India are developing rapidly with good faculty and values. This is one of the top Indian universities offering distance learning programmes. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute aims to train future managers and entrepreneurs about technology and skills.
Some of the distance degree courses offered by IMT CDL are a two-year postgraduate Diploma in Management, 15-month Postgraduate Diploma in Management - Executive, 13 months Postgraduate Certificate in Management with specialisation in Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Business Analytics.
5. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University
MP Bhoj University is one of the best universities offering distance learning in India. It provides quality higher education to students belonging to the underprivileged categories. The Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University study centres are set up by Bhoj University in remote rural areas.
Easy access to education is provided with the help of distance learning, practical classes, and satellite communication teaching. This top distance university in India offers courses such as MBA, B.Com, MCA, and B.Ed. and other distance education online courses. The Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University distance education course fees range from Rs 2,400 to Rs 36,000.
6. Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)
Dr BR Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad is one of the top Indian universities offering online distance education courses. It has a wide network of around 213 study centres that are spread throughout the region for delivering distance education online courses. The Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) offers distance courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels.
BRAOU majorly focuses on women and working people who are willing to work on their professional skills or educational qualifications. This top distance education university in India focuses on providing students with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as certificates and diploma courses. The online distance degree course fees at BRAOU range from Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,40,000.
7. Netaji Subhas Open University
As a government-owned State Open University, Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata is among the top Indian universities offering distance education courses. The Netaji Subhas Open University is known for its quality education and convenient as well as flexible programmes.
It provides distance education to students in BDP (Bachelor Degree Programme) in the fields of Commerce and Arts, Bachelor’s Degree Programmes in Science, and Arts subjects such as History and Social work, PG Degree Programmes in Science (Mathematics), and others.
8. Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for Distance and Open Learning
Jamia Millia Islamia is one of the most renowned universities offering distance education courses in India. The university offers distance education online courses in a variety of disciplines. The Centre for Distance and Open Learning (CDOL) at Jamia Millia Islamia is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), India.
It is an A-grade central university accredited by NAAC and is ranked 3rd as per NIRF 2024 rankings. Jamia’s CDOL offers courses such as B.Ed, MBA, BBA MA, BA, and others.
Also Read:
- Difference Between Online Learning & Distance Education
- 40+ Distance Learning Courses approved by UGC
9. Delhi University School Of Open Learning
Among the top Indian universities offering distance education courses, Delhi University School Of Open Learning (DU SOL) distance learning courses offer students excellent opportunities to pursue distance degree programs. Delhi University School Of Open Learning offers programmes at UG, and PG levels in disciplines such as political science, history, English and mathematics.
DU SOL caters to students enroling in distance education courses and ensures a quality platform for them. With a focus on accessibility and flexibility, these programmes are designed to meet diverse academic and professional needs. The university employs modern teaching methods and resources to deliver comprehensive education, enabling students to pursue their studies while balancing other commitments.
10. LPU Distance Education
Another renowned Indian university that offers distance education programmes is Lovely Professional University. The University offers distance courses in numerous disciplines such as management, commerce, arts and humanities. Students are offered multiple benefits within the programme enabling them to synthesise theory and practice through the Lovely Professional University distance courses.
Students through the LPU distance education courses are prepared for industry-level jobs and are encouraged to think critically and work on their portfolios to enhance their chances of securing job opportunities. The fee for the online LPU distance education courses ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 70,000.
Why Choose Distance Education?
Distance learning is a contemporary method of education that enables students to study in their own space and time without physically attending any university or college. As distance learning plays an essential role in the modern educational system, the number of distance degree courses has increased annually.
There are various advantages of distance education as follows:
No need to compromise your job
The main advantage of distance learning online courses is that they allow students to balance their jobs and responsibilities while pursuing their studies.
Students can study on weekends or in their spare time, outside of their working hours, which is practically impossible in campus programmes. Not only that, one can go through the study material anywhere and anytime in distance education.
Cost savings
No matter what programme one opts for, the fee for any distance course is much more affordable, compared to that of any regular on-campus programmes. Hence, students who come from a financially weak background can go for distance learning to get a degree at less fee.
Thus, it is an economically viable option for students. With a distance-learning university in India, students can save their money without any financial constraints.
Saves time
A lot of time is lost commuting to and from college. By joining these distance learning courses offered by top Indian universities, a student saves a lot of time and focus on being productive.
Individuals who are preparing for government jobs or are working for a private firm can opt for online distance learning courses or distance education and get a degree from the comfort of home.
Self-paced learning
In distance education, the choice depends on students as the whole study material and course work is offered beforehand which has to be completed at their own pace within the stipulated time. Several distance education universities in India assist individuals in completing their graduation.
You can study open degree courses at your own pace, go through the same concept again and again and learn continuously. So, distance education is greatly beneficial for students, giving them freedom and plenty of choices.
Also Read:
- 15 US Universities Offering Distance Education Programmes Online
- Best Distance MBA Programs (Distance MBA): Courses, Top Colleges, and Fee
Conclusion
Distance degree courses offer a highly convenient and flexible approach to education, with options for fees, admissions, schedules, programme choices, teaching methods, and evaluation procedures designed to fit individual needs. Several institutions and universities provide correspondence courses, giving students a huge variety of choices.
Thus, online distance education is becoming highly popular among students nowadays, and with more and more students enroling in distance learning courses, it helps them get a chance to work on themselves and their academic background without putting their jobs or responsibilities at bay.
Distance education courses provide students with an education that is beneficial without the limitations of traditional classroom learning. It depends on a candidate's choice in regards to which programme they seek to enrol for that fits their learning style, career objectives, and personal circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Distance learning or distance education is the education model wherein students do not need to be physically present on the campus or classroom. In this learning model, education is imparted online with the study material offered to students in advance so they can study from the comfort of their homes.
In regular education, students have to maintain their attendance by going to college and attending on-campus classes regularly. Conversely, in distance education, students go through the provided study material on their own, study at their own pace, and ask queries from teachers online while face-to-face interactions are less frequent.
Online distance learning saves you time and allows you to deal with your responsibilities and job. Distance learning courses in India are more affordable, self-paced, and give more flexibility as compared to regular education. Conversely, distance learning is highly dependent on technical elements, credibility has to be ensured and it decreases social interaction by a considerably high amount.
If you get a distance learning degree with recognition from the Distance Education Council (DEC), you can apply for central government jobs. For example, online distance learning degrees offered by IGNOU are considered valid while applying for government jobs.
The fees for distance education courses differ from one university to another. However, the fee charged for distance education courses is often less than the regular education courses and is most affordable.
Distance education mode is designed in a way that a person can easily manage both the job as well as studies and earn a degree or certificate. With good time management, one can study after working hours or at weekends and go through the study material anytime anywhere.
Distance education degrees are offered by the best open university in India and are valid as well as recognised across the country. With distance education courses, one can apply for both government as well as private jobs in different fields.
One can score great placement opportunities with distance education degrees. Most of the universities that offer distance education have dedicated placement cells that seek placement drives from reputed organisations for their distance education students.
No, UGC does not recognise Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes through distance education.
The eligibility criteria for open degree courses or distance education courses may vary from course to course. It also varies depending on the universities offering distance education in India.
Articles
Upcoming Exams
Application Date:15 October,2024 - 15 January,2025
Application Date:11 November,2024 - 08 April,2025
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.