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Open Universities Across India 2025
Teachers and students can participate in learning without being physically present at the same place or time, owing to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system. While preserving the standard of education, it provides flexibility in teaching methods, timetables, and eligibility criteria. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), State Open Universities (SOUs), and other institutions and universities that offer remote learning, such as Correspondence Course Institutes (CCIs) within conventional universities, are all part of India's ODL system.
This system is becoming increasingly important for lifelong learning, upgrading skills for working professionals, and providing quality education to those in remote or disadvantaged areas. Students can seek admission to these universities through entrance examinations like CUET (UG), CUET (PG), on a merit basis, etc.
List of Open Universities Across India
At present, 13 State Open Universities have been established by state governments, functioning exclusively through distance education. These universities cater to individuals unable to attend regular classes and support working professionals in advancing their careers.
Open universities offer flexibility, open access, and both part-time and full-time courses. They enable working professionals, homemakers, farmers, and those in remote areas to pursue higher education, enhance their skills, and explore new career opportunities. Similar to regular colleges, open universities provide distance learning options across a wide range of disciplines.
Given below is the list of open universities across India with their city and state:-
| Name of College | City | State |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Delhi | Delhi |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) | Hyderabad | Andhra Pradesh |
| Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | Kota | Rajasthan |
| Nalanda Open University | Patna | Bihar |
| Nashik | Maharashtra | |
| Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University | Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| Karnataka State Open University | Mysore | Karnataka |
| Netaji Subhas Open University | Kolkata | West Bengal |
| U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University | Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh |
| Tamil Nadu Open University | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| Pt. Sunderlal Sharma Open University | Bilaspur | Chattisgarh |
| Uttarakhand Open University | Haldwani | Uttarakhand |
| Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University | Guwahati | Assam |
| Odisha State Open University | Sambalpur | Odisha |
Indira Gandhi National Open University
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985 to create an inclusive atmosphere for all the individuals who are unable to continue their studies physically from a classroom because of full-time jobs, family responsibilities, remote areas, etc. It aims to improve the enrollment numbers by providing high-quality teaching through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
The university started with only two academic programs—Diploma in Management and Diploma in Distance Education—and enrolled 4,528 students. It was also recognised as the National Resource Centre for Open and Distance Learning with global recognition. IGNOU is committed to offering quality education, skill development, and training through innovative technologies and learner-focused methods.
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| 3 years | |
| Bachelor of Arts (Economics) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Arts (English) | 3 years |
| 3 years | |
| Bachelor Of Arts (Honours) Public Administration | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) | 3 years |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| 2 years | |
| 2 years | |
| Master Of Arts (Political Science) | 2 years |
| Master Of Arts (Public Administration) | 2 years |
| Master Of Arts (Psychology) | 2 years |
| Master Of Arts (Sociology) | 2 years |
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Open University
The Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Open University was established as Andhra Pradesh Open University on August 26, 1982, under the APOU Act of the A.P. State Legislature. On October 26, 1991, the Government of Andhra Pradesh renamed it Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University. As the first open university in India, this institution marked a significant step by the state government in making higher education easily accessible to all individuals, addressing both personal and social needs.
All the programs offered by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Open University are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. This distinct approach to distance education has opened up higher learning opportunities for various groups, including housewives, farmers, labourers, soldiers, and police personnel, helping them to gain new skills and qualifications. This institution offers a wide variety of courses in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as diploma and certificate programs.
Given below is a list of undergraduate and postgraduate programs along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | 3 years |
| 3 years | |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Education (Special Education) | 2.5 years |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Master of Arts (History) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Economics) | 2 years |
| 2 years | |
| Master of Arts (Public Administration) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Sociology) | 2 years |
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), formerly known as Kota Open University, was established in 1987 and is a leading institution for open learning in Rajasthan. VMOU was formed by merging two correspondence education institutes—the Institute of Correspondence Studies and Continuing Education in Jaipur and the College of Correspondence Studies in Udaipur.
This merger aimed to bring together scattered distance education resources, improve coordination, and provide high-quality education to people across the state. This university offers a wide variety of courses in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as diploma and certificate programs.
Given below is a list of undergraduate and postgraduate programs along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor's in Library and Information Science | 1 year |
| Bachelor of Arts Programme (GE/CS/IT/HM) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Arts Programme (Pass Course) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Journalism | 1 year |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Master of Arts in Economics | 2 years |
| Master of Arts Education | 2 years |
| Master of Arts in English | 2 years |
| Master of Arts in Police Administration | 2 years |
| Master of Arts in Political Science | 2 years |
| Master of Arts in Sociology | 2 years |
Nalanda Open University
Nalanda Open University is the only university in Bihar dedicated solely to distance education. It was established in March 1987 through an ordinance issued by the Bihar government and is named after the historic Nalanda University of ancient India. Currently, the university operates from Bargaon, Nalanda. The Distance Education Bureau (DEB), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, recognise it for providing education through distance learning.
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor's In Computer Application (BCA) | 3 years |
| Bachelor Of Commerce (Hons). (B.Com) | 3 years |
| Bachelor Of Arts (Hons) Courses (B.A) | 3 years |
| Bachelor Of Library And Information Science (BLIS) | 1 year |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Master's Degree Course In Commerce (M.Com.) | 2 years |
| Master Of Arts in Economics. (M.A In Economics.): | 2 years |
| M.A./M.Sc. In Environmental Science | 2 years |
| Master Of Arts In History. (M.A In History.) | 2 years |
| Master's Degree Course In Journalism And Mass Communication (MJMC) | 2 years |
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU) was established on October 1, 1992, under the Madhya Pradesh University Act of 1991 and was officially inaugurated by President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on October 19, 1992. It is a UGC-recognised State Open University with 11 regional centres and 612 study centres across Madhya Pradesh. This university is located in Bhopal.
This university aims to provide education to underserved areas through the Open and Distance Learning system. Its motto, "Embrace, Engage, Enlighten, and Empower," highlights its commitment to using technology to transform education. The university focuses on uplifting rural and underprivileged communities by making higher education more accessible.
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor of Commerce - B.Com | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Science ( Information Technology) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Education(B.Ed-ODL) | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Special Education (B.Ed. SEDE) | 2.5 years |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | CourseDuration |
| 2 years | |
| Master of Science(IT) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts(History) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts(Political Science) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts(Sociology) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Geography) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Economics) | 2 years |
| M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology | 2 years |
Karnataka State Open University
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru is a State Public University established by the State Legislature in 1992 and was officially operational from June 1, 1996. As a leading institution in Open and Distance Learning (ODL), KSOU was formed in 1996 as a separate entity from the University of Mysore. It also functioned as the Institute of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education (ICC&CE) under the University of Mysore, which was founded in 1969.
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 3 years |
| B.Sc Information Technology | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Education | 2 years |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Master of Arts | 2 years |
| Masters of Commerce | 2 years |
| Masters of Business Administration | 2 years |
Tamil Nadu Open University
The academic programs of Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) are recognised by UGC-DEB, NCTE, RCI, and AICTE. The university began its academic operations in 2003-04 and has been dedicated to serving the educational needs of disadvantaged individuals. To expand access to higher education and enhance its quality through the open and distance learning system, the Government of Tamil Nadu established TNOU (Tamil Nadu Open University), coordinating with existing educational provisions in the state.
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
This university provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different academic disciplines. Given below is a list of some of the courses offered, along with their respective course durations:-
Undergraduate Courses:-
| Undergraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Bachelor of Sociology | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Economics | 3 years |
| Bachelor of History | 3 years |
| Bachelor of English | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Political Science | 3 years |
Postgraduate Courses:-
| Postgraduate Courses | Course Duration |
| Master of Arts (Political Science) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Sociology) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (History) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (English) | 2 years |
| Master of Arts (Commerce) | 2 years |
What is Distance Education?
Distance education provides learning opportunities for both the student and the teacher who are separated due to long distances or remote areas which are not accessible. It aims to offer an educational experience of the same quality as traditional classroom learning, designed to meet the needs of learners outside a physical classroom. This approach is being widely adopted and accepted by universities and institutions worldwide. With technological advancements, distance learning is gaining recognition for its ability to offer personalised instruction and facilitate global communication with students.