Top 10 Distance Education Universities in India

Top 10 distance education universities in India have greatly benefited students who can't go to regular colleges for their education. In keeping with the growing demand for online courses and certifications, many universities and institutions are stepping up with innovative educational offerings to meet students' needs and provide them with a job-ready education. The best Indian universities offering distance learning courses have been compiled here so that you can continue your education while working. Let's begin by discussing the distance learning courses in India.

What is Distance Education?

Distance Education, which is also referred to as distance learning, is a field of study that focuses on instructional system design, technology, and pedagogy and andragogy to provide education to students who are not physically "on site." Students can receive their education through distance learning, also known as distance education, which eliminates the need for them to physically attend classes or campuses. With this learning model, students receive their education online and are provided with study materials ahead of time, allowing them to learn in the convenience of their own homes.

Distance education has become increasingly popular in recent years as technology has made it easier to access and complete coursework from anywhere in the world. Benefits of distance education include:

• Students have the freedom to learn at their own pace
• Access course materials from anywhere with an internet connection
• Promotes self-discipline, time management, and digital literacy skills 

We have compiled a list of the 10 distance education universities in India that provide distance education courses that allow you to continue your education while working. So, let us begin with the distance learning courses.

Also Read:Delhi University Distance Education: Distance and Correspondence Courses in DU

List of Top 10 Distance Education Universities in India 2024 

Here is a list of the top 10 distance education universities or best correspondence university in India that provide students with quality distance education:

1. IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), popularly referred to as the People’s University is one of the most reputed distance education universities in India and is regarded by many as the best open university in India. The university has a professionally qualified and experienced team of faculty which is dedicatedly devoted to developing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and value through dynamic and interactive methods of learning and grooming the students. IGNOU provides undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate and diploma courses to students in arts, science, commerce and management fields and is counted among the best distance education university in India.

Important features of IGNOU:

• Tele-counseling for student groups
• Training Study Centre Counselors /Coordinators
• Administrative interaction with Regional Centre functionaries
• Extended Contact Programme (ECP) with students
• Teaching-end studios located at IGNOU Campus, New Delhi and about 850 receivers ‘nodes' located in IGNOU Regional Centers and Study Centers

Also Read: Last Minute Preparation Tips for IGNOU B.Ed Entrance Exam 2022

2. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning holds the second position on our list of distance education university and is among the best open university in India/best correspondence university in India. SCDL offers Post Graduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificate programs across a variety of management courses with the system of open universities in India

Important features of SCDL:

• Introduction of a "Blended Learning" methodology for all the programs offered at SCDL
• Interactive e-Learning content as a supplementary learning methodology to improve the understanding of concepts
• Virtual Classroom facility with the faculty has removed the distance barrier between the teacher and the taught via distance education in India.
• Online Faculty Chat Sessions allow students to interact with faculty.

3. Gitam Deemed to be University (Centre for Distance Learning)

Gitam University through the Centre for Distance Learning has contributed to the education revolution in its own way and is recognized as one of the finest distance education university//best correspondence university in India for offering quality education to scholars from across India.

Important features of Gitam University -

• The institute is among the top leading institutes in India
• The objective of the Gitam University is to support, promote and undertake the advancement of academics.\
• The University offers multiple learning options for a rewarding career ahead.

Also Read: Top Universities in India Offering Distance B.Com: Eligibility, Location, Fee

4. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute

IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute is number 4 on our list. The Centre has taken the lead in preparing managers of tomorrow armed with a distinct vision, blended with technology and skills. The centre strives to create all-rounder leaders in management and entrepreneurship by helping its students acquire the necessary skills.

Courses Offered at IMT CDL include:

Some popular courses offered by IMT - CDL are as follows:

• Two Year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management
• One Year Post-Graduate Diplomas in Business Administration
• One Year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive) with specialization in -
• Financial Management
• Operations Management
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Management
• Information Systems 

5. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University

This distance education university aims to spread and promote higher education among the underprivileged and has set up study centres in remote rural areas. It has collaborations with institutes like the Rehabilitation Council of India, the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management and the Indian Institute of Material Management, etc.

This open university in India aims to provide an easily accessible system of teaching and learning through education inputs like practical classes, distance teaching, satellite communication teaching, etc. Bhoj University gives special emphasis to target groups of learners coming from rural areas and especially those with a disability.

6. Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)

Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has a wide network of 206 study centres spread throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. The University follows the motto "Education at Your Doorstep" is considered one of the /best correspondence university in India.

This distance education university caters especially to women, working people and those who want to improve their academic qualifications and professional skills. The University lays special focus on socially disadvantaged and geographically isolated people who never had access to higher education earlier.

7. Netaji Subhas Open University

Netaji Subhas Open University is the premier State Open University in India. The university has set up 31 study centres to provide the students with distance education in Bachelor Degree Programme (BDP) in Arts & Commerce, and 5 study centres for Arts & Commerce Courses under the BDP.

Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Science subjects, Post Graduate Degree Programme in Science subject (Mathematics) and Arts Subjects (History and Social Work) have also been made available to the students.

Also Read: What is Better: MBA Distance Learning or Online MBA or Regular MBA?

8. Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU)

Maharishi Dayanand University provides a wide variety of courses through means of distance education university mode of learning. Maharshi Dayanand University has Students Support Services Centres (SSSC) in open and distance learning system that are not only confined to interactive counseling or solving the learner's problems but also includes personality development, soft skills, career counseling, community education, promoting open and distance learning as per the National Education Policy i.e. Education for All.

Further, the SSSCs also facilitate learning, counselling and solve the problems of the distance learners faced during self-study with respect to the study material supplied to them by the Directorate and considered one of the best correspondence university in India. Through SSSCs, these learners get an opportunity to interact with the counsellors as well as with the peer group. 

9. Karnataka State Open University

Karnataka State Open University is located in Manasagangotri, Mysore. It is recognized as one of the best open universities in India imparting distance education.

The University System is a respected higher-learning organization known for its distinctive strengths in providing superior and relevant distance learning programs to its learners. In pursuing this vision, the University System:

• Creates interactive, effective learning environments for all constituents
• Serves its constituents’ diverse personal and professional development needs
• Expands access to affordable programs for underserved learners

10. Acharya Nagarjuna University (CDE)

Acharya Nagarjuna University's Centre for Distance Education (CDE) was established in the year 1976.

The university has the following features:

• Enrolment either through the Centre for Distance Education or through the Study Centre of Student's choice
• Admissions are done twice a year i.e., Academic Year Batch (July to June), Calendar Year Batch (January to December)
• Weekend Classes / Practicals through Study Centres.
• The University offers more than 75 courses.
• A wide network of Examination Centres for the convenience of the students.
• Offers quality education at an affordable cost

Also Read: Acharya Nagarjuna University - Centre for Distance Education Courses 

State-Wise List of Top Open University in India / State-Wise List of Top Distance Education University

Here is a list of the top Distance Education University in India. We have prepared a state-wise list of the best open university in India which offer the finest distance education in India.

Andhra Pradesh Distance Education Universities

Telangana Distance Education Universities

Arunachal Pradesh Distance Education Universities

Assam Distance Education Universities

Bihar Distance Education Universities

Chhattisgarh Distance Education Universities

Delhi Distance Education Universities

Haryana Distance Education Universities

Gujarat Distance Education Universities

Himachal Pradesh Distance Education Universities

Jammu and Kashmir Distance Education Universities

Karnataka Distance Education Universities

Kerala Distance Education Universities

Madhya Pradesh Distance Education Universities

Maharashtra Distance Education Universities

Meghalaya Distance Education Universities

Mizoram Distance Education Universities

Nagaland Distance Education Universities

Sikkim Distance Education Universities

Odisha Distance Education Universities

Puducherry Distance Education Universities

Punjab Distance Education Universities

Rajasthan Distance Education Universities

Tamil Nadu Distance Education Universities

Tripura Distance Education Universities

Uttarakhand Distance Education Universities

Uttar Pradesh Distance Education Universities

West Bengal Distance Education Universities

Also Read:  Best Distance Education Diploma/Certificate Courses After UG

Distance Education Universities in India Approved by UGC in 2024

Students can find a list of UGC-approved distance education universities in India for the academic year 2024-25, which begins in July-August 2024.

Full Name of University	UGC Approved Courses Offered
Acharya Nagarjuna University	BA, BCom, BBA, BLISc, MA, MSW, MCom, MLISc
Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam	MA
Yogi Vemana University Distance Education	MA, MCom
Rajiv Gandhi University Distance Education	BA, MA
Vignan’s Foundation for Science Technology and Research Distance Education	BBA
Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University	BA, BBA, BCom, BCA, MA, MCom, MSW, MSc (IT), MBA
Tezpur University Distance Education	MA
Dibrugarh University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BCA, MA, MCom
Jamia Hamdard University Distance Education	BCA, BCom, BBA
Gauhati University Distance Education	MA, MSc (IT)
Pt Sundarlal Sharma Open University Distance Education	BCom, BBA, MCom, MBA, PGD labour law welfare
Delhi University School of Open Learning	BA, BCom, BMS, BLISc, BBA, MA, MCom, MLISc, MBA
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University	BCom, BA, BEd, BLIS, MLIS, MBA, MCA, MA
Jamia Millia Islamia University Distance Education	MA, MCom, MBA, BEd, BA, BCom, BBA
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology Distance Education	BA, BCom, MA, MCom, MBA, MSc, MCA
Maharshi Dayanand University Distance Education	MCom, MSc, MA, BA, BCom, MLISc
Himachal Pradesh University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BEd, MA, MCom, MBA
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Distance Education	MBA, MA, BBA, BCom, BA
Kashmir University Distance Education	MA, MCom, MSc
Jain University Distance Education	MA, MSW, BCom, BBA, BA, BSc, BMS
Karnataka State Open University	MCom, MSW, MLISc, MCA MBA, MA, MSc, BCom, BBA, BSW, BLISc, BA, BCA, BSc
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana Distance Education	BSc, MSc, Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga
Calicut University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BBA, MA, MSc, MCom
Kerala University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BBA, BSc, BLISc, MA, MCom, MSc, MLISc,
Sree Narayana Guru Open University	BA, BBA, BCom, MA, MCom
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Distance Education	MBA, MCA
Jiwaji University Distance Education	BA, BCom, MLISc, MCom, MA
Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Distance Education	BA, BCom, BSW, MA, MCom, MSW
Mahatma Gandhi Antar Rashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya distance education	BA, BEd, BJ, MA, MSW, MJ, MBA
Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackeray Women’s University Distance Education	BA, BCom, MA, MCom
Shivaji University Distance Education	BA, BCom, MA, MCom, MSc
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University	BBA, BCom, BA, BLISc, BCA, BEd, BSc, MA, MSc, MCom, MLISc, MBA
University of Mumbai Distance Education	BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, MCom, MCA, MMS
Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University Distance Education	BA, MA
Pondicherry University Distance Education	BA, BBA, BCom, MA, MCom, MBA
Chandigarh University Distance Education	MA, MBA, MCom, BCA, BA, BCom, BBA
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University	BA, BCom, BSc, MA, M Com, MSc
Lovely Professional University Distance Education	MCA, MSc, MA, MLISc, MCom, MBA, BA, BCA, BCom, BLISc, BSc, BBA
Suresh Gyan Vihar University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BBA, MCom, MA
Jain Vishva Bharati Institute Distance Education	BA, BCom, MA
Jagannath University Distance Education	BA, BBA, BCom, MA
Annamalai University Distance Education	BFA, MA, MSW, MFA, MCom, MBA, MSc
Anna University Distance Education	MBA, MCA, MSc
Bharathidasan University Distance Education	MA, MCom, MSc, MLISc, MBA, MCA, BA, BCom, BLISc, BSc, BBA, BCA
BS Abdur Rahaman Institute of Science & Technology Distance Education	MBA, MCA
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education	MSW, MA, MBA, MSc, BA, BBA, BCom, BCA
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Distance education	BA, BBA, BSc, BCom, BLISc, MA, MCom, MSc, MLISc
Tamil Nadu Open University Distance Education	BBA, BEd, BSc, MSW, MSc
University of Madras Distance Education	MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MFA, BA, BSc, BFA, BCA, BEd, BCom, BBA
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology Distance Education	MSc, MA, BCom, BBA
Mother Teresa Women’s University Distance Education	BA, BBA, BCom, MA, MCom
Vel’s institute of science technology & advanced studies	BBA, BCom, MBA
Maulana Azad National Urdu University Distance Education	BA, BSc, BCom, BEd, MA
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education DDE	BBA, MBA
Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University Telangana	BEd, MA
Kakatiya University Distance education	BBA, BCom, BLISc, BSc, MA, MSW, MSc, MCom
Amity University Distance Education	BSc, MSc
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Distance Education	BA, BBA, BCom, BLISc, MA, MCom, MBA, MLISc
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University	BA, BEd, BCom, BLISc, BSc, BBA, MA, MSc, MCom, MLISc, MSW, MJ MBA, MCA
Mangalayatan University Distance Education	MA,  MCom, MSc, MBA, BBA, BA, BCom
Graphic Era University Distance Education	BCA, BBA, BCom
Uttarakhand Open University Distance Education	MA, MBA, MCA, MCom, MSc, MPA, MSW, BA, BBA, BSc, BTTM, BCom, BCA, BLISc, BEd
Netaji Subhas Open University	BA, BSc, BCom, BLISc, BEd, MA, MEd, MBA, MSc, MCom, MSW, MLISc
Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education	MA, MSW
University of Kalyani Distance Education	MA, MSc
University of North Bengal Distance Education	BCom, MA
University of Burdwan Distance Education	MA
Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Distance Education	BA, BCom, MA
Kurukshetra University Distance Education	MA, MBA, MCA, MSc, MCom, MLISc, BCA, BCom, BA, BLISc, BEd
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Distance Education	MSc
Bharati Vidyapeeth Distance Education	MA, MCom, MSW, MCA, MBA, BCA, BBA, BA, BCom
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science Distance Education	BA
Savitribai Phule Pune University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BBA, MCom, MA
Guru Nanak Dev University Distance Education	MCA, MBA, MA, MCom, BA, BCom, BCA, BBA, BLISc
SRM Institute of Science & Technology Distance Education	MA, MBA, MCom, MCA, BA, BCom, BBA, BCA
Madurai Kamraj University Distance Education	MCA, MBA, MCom, MA, MSc, MLISc, BCA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BA, BLISc
Osmania University Distance Education	BA, BCom, BBA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MA, MCA
Aligarh Muslim University Distance Education	MCom, MA, BCom, BA

Also Read:  BA Correspondence/Distance Education

Which is the First Open University in India?

Bhim Rao Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, which was founded in 1982, became the country's first state-sponsored open university. Open universities are academic institutions that award degrees without many or any entrance criteria. They are the most appropriate for people who want to continue their education but received failing grades from their previous coursework.

What is Open and Distance Learning (ODL)?

Open and distance learning (ODL) is a combination of the terms "open learning" and "distance education". It's a mode of education that offers flexible learning opportunities. ODL can take many forms, including:

• Online courses
• MOOCs (massive open online courses)
• Correspondence courses
• Self-study programs 

ODL can be used to deliver traditional academic subjects, as well as vocational and professional training. It can be used at primary and secondary education levels to provide both in-school and out-of-school programs. ODL aims to reduce physical and psychological distance, and to increase communication and interactivity between learners, learning sources, and facilitators. It can also seek to mitigate or remove barriers to access, such as finances, prior learning, age, social, work or family commitments, disability, incarceration or other such barriers. ODL is characterized by teaching that is conducted by someone who is away from the learner. The curriculum is delivered to learners through various media such as print, audio/videotapes, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.

Also Read: Top 10 Distance Education Courses & Colleges with the Best Placements

Distance Education University Learning / Online University in India Learning

There are numerous distance education universities in India that provide a variety of courses. However, authorisation from the UGC-DEB, or University Grants Commission Remote Education Board, is required for best open university in India, Indian institutions and private colleges because it is the statutory authority that regulates distance education in India and maintains and creates distance education norms in India.

Distance education in India offers a variety of courses in a variety of specializations, which allows students to study the subject of their choice and eligibility. Most undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programs are available online through online university in India.

So, if you are a working professional or a student looking for a distance program, a correspondence course through best open university in India is an excellent solution.

Distance Education University Learning Benefits

Here is a list of the advantages of going for distance education university studies:

• Flexible education system through best distance education university in India.
• Easy Curriculum.
• No Regular classes due to the system of open university in India.
• Earn along with learning due to the flexibility of getting a degree through an online university in India and continuing work at the same time.
• Less course fee.

Distance Education University Learning Disadvantages

Have a look at some disadvantages of distance education university learning or education via open university in India.

• Lack of classroom education as it is mainly through open university in India.
• No social interaction with fellows. 
• No exposure to regular campus life.

We can say that the Open University system is flexible in terms of learning, admission process etc. Thus, it offers an alternative channel to those who missed the opportunities for higher education.

Also Read: Best Distance Education Diploma and Certificate Courses after 12th

CollegeDekho hopes this list helped you and may you make the right choice!

All the best.

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