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Dev Varat Bali

Updated on 27th December, 2022 , 11 min read

Top Distance Education Universities In India Approved by UGC

Distance education is thought of as a very modern method of education and places more emphasis on the learner's independent study. This approach is significantly different compared to traditional education because students learn using communication technology at home. Despite the limitations of distance and time, the students can still communicate, argue, evaluate, and provide feedback with the distance education universities. Students unable to attend regular classes because of their jobs or other commitments frequently turn to distance education. There are many prestigious Indian universities that offer a variety of distance learning programs and are regarded as the best in India. Due to the fact that it enables students to study their courses of choice from any location with only sporadic in-person interactions with instructors, distance education universities is regarded as a modern method of learning in India. Universities have started to offer a variety of online courses and certifications through online distance learning or the best open university in India to meet students' learning needs. With the aid of distance education universities, students can now complete their college degrees while holding a full- or part-time job.

What Is Distance Education?

The field of distance education has advanced significantly in recent years. It alludes to instruction that does not demand regular, physical attendance at universities to take classes. Students can choose to enroll in distance education programs and take their desired courses.

Because all of the coursework is completed by the students independently or through online learning, which many universities and distant institutes also provide, there are very few classes at distance education universities. Remote learning has started to take the form of online learning or e-learning thanks to technological advancements at distance education universities or online universities in India.

Pros And Cons Of Distance Education

Distance education universities seem to provide a perfect solution for students who are not able to attend classes in person due to some logistical issues. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of distance education universities.

Advantages Of Distance Education

  • Flexible educational system provided by the top Indian university for distance learning.
  • Simple Curriculum
  • No regular classes because India has an open university system.
  • Due to the convenience of obtaining a degree from an Indian online university while also working, you can earn while you learn.
  • reduced course fee

Disadvantages Of Distance Education

  • Lack of classroom instruction because open universities predominate in India.
  • No interaction with other people socially. 
  • No contact with campus life as it normally is.

Top Distance Education Universities In India

Here are some of the top distance education universities in India approved by UGC, which also provide with good quality education and amazing career opportunities.

1. IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), also known as the People's University and one of India's most well-known distance education universities, is widely regarded as the country's top open university. The university has a team of professionally qualified and experienced professors who are devoted to helping students develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values by using engaging and interactive teaching strategies. IGNOU, one of the best distance learning universities in India, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, and diploma programs to students in the arts, sciences, commerce, and management fields.

Important IGNOU characteristics:

  • Tele-counseling for school districts
  • Training Study Center Coordinators and Counselors
  • Administrative exchanges with employees of the Regional Center
  • Students participating in the Extended Contact Program (ECP)
  • About 850 receivers are located in IGNOU Regional Centers and Study Centers, along with teaching-end studios, on the IGNOU Campus in New Delhi.
  • IGNOU Scholarships: Fee exemption/reimbursement options may occasionally be made available to students who fall under one of the two reserved categories, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, in accordance with university regulations. Students who identify as SC/ST/OBC/Minority/PWD may take advantage of the fee waiver/reimbursement/exemption/scholarship programs made available by the UGC/MHRD/a number of State Governments/Govt Departments. Students who are interested in learning more about eligibility and procedure can contact the relevant agencies. The most recent IGNOU Common prospectus is available on the IGNOU website for more information.
  • 200+ Courses Offered by IGNOU
  • IGNOU Contact Details: 

The Registrar

                                                                   Student Registration Division (SRD)

                                                                   Block - 3

                                                                   Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068, India

                                                                   Phone No. :011-29571301 & 29571528

                                                                   Fax No. : 011- 29532686

2. Acharya Nagarjuna University

At Acharya Nagarjuna University, the Center for Distance Education (CDE) was established in 1976. Enrollment through the Student's Choice Study Center or the Center for Distance Education. Each year, there are two groups of applicants: one for the calendar year (January to December) and one for the academic year (July to June). Weekend classes and practicals at study centers. More than 75 are provided by the university.  There is a vast network of testing locations for the comfort of the students. Additionally, it offers affordable education of a high caliber.

  • Acharya Nagarjuna University Scholarships: Acharya Nagarjuna University will provide scholarships for those who have qualified for AP EAPCET an ug technical exam
  • Acharya Nagarjuna University Contact Details: 0863-2346113
  • 70+ Courses are offered by Acharya Nagarjuna University

3. Karnataka State Open University

In Manasagangotri, Mysore, is where you can find the Karnataka State Open University. It is regarded as one of India's top open universities for distance learning. The University System is a reputable institution of higher learning that is well-known for its distinctive strengths in offering its students excellent and pertinent distance learning programs. The University System will work to achieve this vision by:

  • builds engaging, productive learning environments for all participants
  • meets the diverse needs of its constituents in terms of personal and professional development
  • expands underserved students' access to affordable programs.
  • Karnataka State Open University Scholarships: Karnataka Open State Open University provides scholarships according to a student's academic performance. 
  • Karnataka State Open University Contact details: 8690544544, ksousoftware@gmail.com
  • 30+ Courses are offered by Karnataka State Open University.

4. Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU)

It is a very one of the most reputed distance education universities Through its distance learning program, Maharshi Dayanand University offers a huge selection of courses. According to the National Education Policy, or "Education for All," Maharshi Dayanand University has Students Support Services Centers (SSSC) in its open and distance learning system that go beyond interactive counseling or problem-solving for learners to include personality development, soft skills, career counseling, community education, and promoting open and distance learning.

The SSSCs, one of the top correspondence universities in India, offer support to distance learners by helping them learn, get counseling, and work out issues with the study materials the Directorate gave them. These students have the opportunity to interact with the counselors and the peer group through the SSSCs. 

  • Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU) Scholarships:Maharishi Dayanand University provides students with a range of financial aid opportunities. These scholarships are provided to students so they can continue their education without financial restrictions.
  • Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) Contact Details: 01262-274640, Contact Info
  • 90+ Courses are Offered By Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU).

5. Netaji Subhas Open University

Netaji Subhas Open University is the premier State Open University in India. The university has established 31 study centers to offer distance learning for the Bachelor Degree Programme (BDP) in Arts & Commerce, and 5 study centers for the BDP's Arts & Commerce Courses.

The students have access to Bachelor's Degree Programs in Science Subjects, Post Graduate Degree Programs in Science Subjects (Mathematics), and Arts Subjects (History and Social Work).

  • Netaji Subhas Open University Scholarships: All the Netaji Subhas scholarships details are available on their official scholarship portal.
  • Netaji Subhas Open University Contact Details:  DD-26, Sector-I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700 064, 033 4066 3220, Contact Details
  • 30+ Courses are Offered By Netaji Subhas Open University

6. Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has a vast network of 206 study centers. The university, whose motto is "Education at Your Doorstep," is regarded as one of the top distance learning institutions in India.

This distance learning institution prioritizes serving working adults, women, and people who want to advance their academic credentials and professional competencies. The University places a special emphasis on those who have never had access to higher education before and are socially and geographically marginalized.

  • Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) Scholarships: The State Government has started a fee waiver scheme to help the economically poor but meritorious students. Further information regarding this can be obtained from the office of the Registrar. You can get more information about Dr BR Ambedkar Open University Scholarships from their official website.
  • Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) Contact Details: 7382929570, 7382929580, 7382929600, Contact Details
  • 20+ Courses are available at Dr BR Ambedkar University (BRAOU)

7. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

In order to encourage underprivileged people to pursue higher education, this distance learning university has set up study centers in remote rural areas. It collaborates with organizations like the Rehabilitation Council of India, the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, the Indian Institute of Material Management, etc

This open university in India seeks to offer a system of instruction and learning that is simple to access through educational inputs like practical classes, remote instruction, satellite communication instruction etc. Bhoj University places a strong emphasis on students from rural communities, particularly those who have disabilities.

  • Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University Scholarships: The university offers a number of scholarship programs to physically challenged students, students from SC/ST or other underprivileged groups, and meritorious students.
  • Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University Contact Details: 0755-2490072 ,2492105 ,2494094, Contact Details
  • 40+ Courses are available at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

8. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute

The fourth place on our list goes to MT Distance and Open Learning Institute. The Center has taken the initiative in developing managers of the future who are equipped with a clear vision and a combination of technology and skills. The center works to develop all-around managers and entrepreneurs by assisting its students in gaining the necessary abilities.

IMT CDL offers the following courses:

The following are a few of the well-liked courses IMT - CDL offers:

  • 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 
  • IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute Scholarships: There are student scholarship opportunities available. One may apply for a state government scholarship provided by the government of Uttar Pradesh. A state government's scholarship program is only available to residents of that state. Students from all over India can apply for scholarships through the national scholarship portal. Banks in both the public and private sectors offer educational loans, but it will be challenging to get one approved for distance learning because loans are typically only given for full-time programs.
  • IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute Contact Details:  16, Site, A, 3, Meerut Rd, UPSIDC Industrial Area, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201003 - 91-120-4622400, admissions@imtcdl.ac.in, Contact Details
  • 10+ Courses are Offered by IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute

9. Gautam Deemed to be University (Centre for Distance Learning)

Through the Centre for Distance Learning, Gautam University has made a unique contribution to the educational revolution and is regarded as one of the best correspondence universities in India for providing top-notch instruction to students from all over the country.

Features that make Gautam University Important

  • The institution is one of India's top-ranking universities.
  • Gautam University's goal is to encourage, support, and carry out academic advancement.
  • The University provides a variety of learning opportunities for an exciting future career.
  • Gautam Deemed to be University Scholarships: For students enrolling in undergraduate, graduate, and integrated courses, universities offer a variety of merit-based scholarships. More info is available on theirofficial website
  • Gautam Deemed to be university Contact Details: 0120-2344200, Greater Noida Gautam Budh Nagar Uttar Pradesh (India)
  • 140 courses are offered by Gautam Deemed to be university 

10. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

The second-ranked distance learning institution on our list is Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, one of India's top correspondence and open universities. With India's system of open universities, SCDL provides Post Graduate Diploma, Diploma, and Certificate programs across a range of management courses.

Important SCDL characteristics:

  • introduction of "Blended Learning" methodologies across all SCDL programs
  • Interactive online learning materials as an additional teaching strategy to help students better understand concepts
  • In India, distance education has eliminated the barrier between the teacher and the students thanks to the Virtual Classroom facility.
  • Students and faculty can converse online during faculty chat sessions.
  • Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning Scholarships:Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning does not provide any scholarships.
  • Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning Contact Details: 020-66975074 020-66975075, Contact Details
  • 10+ courses are offered by Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning

 

List of distance education universities in South India

Here is a list of distance education universities in South India:

S.No.

Name Of The University

Location

Distance Education Universities In Karnataka

1

Gulbarga University

Gulbarga

2

Karnataka University

Dharwad

3

Mangalore University

Mangalore

4

Karnataka State Open University

Mysore

5

National Law School of India University

Bangalore

6

Kuvempu University

Shimoga

Distance Education Universities In Andhra Pradesh

1

Acharya Nagarjuna University

Guntur

2

Andhra University

Visakhapatnam

3

Dravidian University

Kuppam

4

Gitam University

Visakhapatnam

5

National Sanskrit University

Tirupati

6

Sri Krishnadevaraya University

Anantapur

7

Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam

Tirupati

8

Sri Venkateswara University

Tirupati

Distance Education Universities In Kerela

1

Sree Narayanaguru Open University

Kollam

2

Kannur University

Kannur

3

Mahatma Gandhi University

Kottayam

4

University of Calicut

Kozhikode

Distance Education Universities In Tamil Nadu

1

Tamil Nadu Open University

Chennai

2

University of Madras

Chennai

3

Vinayaka Missions University

Salem

4

Tamil University

Thanjavur

5

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Coimbatore

6

St. Peter's University

Chennai

7

SRM University, SRM Institute of Science and Education

Chennai

8

Directorate of Distance Education, Mother Teresa Women's University

Chennai

9

SASTRA University

Thanjavur

10

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University

Tirunelveli

11

Madurai Kamaraj University

Madurai

12

Dr. MGR University

Chennai

13

Annamalai University

Annamalainagar

14

Alagappa University

Karaikudi

List of distance education universities in North India

Here is a list of top distance education universities in North India:

S.No.

Name Of The University

Location

Distance Education Universities In Punjab

1

Guru Nanak Dev University

Amritsar

2

Lovely Professional University

Phagwara

3

Panjab University

Chandigarh

4

Punjab Technical University

Jalandhar

5

Punjabi University

Patiala

6

Thapar Instt. of Engineering & Technology

Patiala

7

Chandigarh University

Chandigarh

Distance Education Universities In Delhi

1

Delhi University

Delhi

2

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Delhi

3

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

Delhi

4

Jamia Milia Islamia

New Delhi

Distance Education Universities In Himachal Pradesh, and J&K

1

Himachal Pradesh University

Shimla

2

University of Jammu

Jammu

3

University of Kashmir

Srinagar

Distance Education Universities In Haryana

1

Chaudhary Devilal University

Sirsa

2

Guru Jambheshwar University

Hisar

3

Kurukshetra University

Kurukshetra

4

Maharishi Dayanand University

Rohtak

5

Manav Rachna International University

Faridabad

Distance Education Universities In Uttar Pradesh

1

Aligarh Muslim University Distance Education

Aligarh

2

Amity Directorate of Distance & Online Education

Noida

3

Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture

Prayagraj

4

IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute

Ghaziabad

5

Shobhit University

Noida

6

Swami Vivekananda Subharti University

Meerut

7

U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University

Allahabad

8

University of Allahabad

Allahabad

9

Integral University

Lucknow

Hence , we have provided you with the a informative distance universities list. You can go through more Colleges/Universities through collegesearch.in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which distance education universities offers the best distance learning programs?

Here are the top 10 Online Distance Colleges in India IGNOU Distance Learning. Amity University Distance Education. Symbiosis University. Annamalai University. Sikkim Manipal University. School of Distance Learning, Delhi University. Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) Suresh Gyan Vihar University.

Which universities offer distance learning and are UGC-approved?

Here is a list of top 2019-2020 UGC-Recognized Universities for Distance Learning: Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ananthapur Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur Magadh University, Gaya Patna University, Patna MATS University, Raipur Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

Which is the best country that provides distance education?

USA is the best country for distance education programmes.

Which is the number one distance education university in India?

IGNOU is the best university for distance education in India.

Is an online degree recognized abroad?

The degree obtained from IGNOU is valid, acknowledged, and widely accepted abroad. IGNOU is a central university that has received UGC recognition.

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