List of Open Universities in India 2025: Programmes, Fees and Admission
Online learning (OL) and Open and distance learning (ODL) have become a game-changer for students and working professionals who want to upgrade their careers without leaving their jobs. State open universities cater to the needs of busy learners, keeping them up with the growing demand, by offering a wide range of programmes at both bachelor's and master's levels.
This Story also Contains
- List of Open Universities in India
- Open University Programme Fee
- Open Universities in India: Admission 2025
- Recent Updates from UGC
At present, 17 state open universities provide education only in distance mode and two state open universities offer programmes in both online and distance mode. These universities meet the needs of people who are unable to pursue regular courses due to various reasons.
List of Open Universities in India
Open universities in India provide various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for students with different backgrounds. These programmes are designed to meet the student requirements without compromising the quality of education. The table below represents the list of open universities and their programmes.
| University | Programmes Offered |
|---|---|
BA Hons (Economics, Assamese, English, Political Science, Sociology, Education, History, Philosophy, Mathematics, Hindi, Sanskrit), BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BSW, BLIS, MA (Economics, Assamese, English, Political Science, Sociology, Education, History, Philosophy, Mathematics, Hindi, Sanskrit, Yoga, Bengali, Journalism & Mass Communication), MCom, MSc (IT, Mathematics), MBA, MSW, MLIS | |
BA Hons (History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Urdu, Hindi), BSc Hons (Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography), BCom, BCA, BJMC, BLIS, MA (Home Science, Education, Economics, Hindi, Geography, Public Administration, Urdu, Sanskrit, History, Mass Communication & Journalism, Political Science, Sociology, Environmental Science) MSc (Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Physics, Home Science, Environmental Science), MCom, MCA, MLIS | |
BA (General), BSc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), BSc (Combination of 3 subjects - Botany, Zoology, Chemistry), BCom (Hons), BBA (Hons), BLIS, B.Ed, MA (Economics, English, Hindi, History, Sociology, Political Science, Education, Philosophy, Sanskrit, Urdu), MCom, MBA, MSW, MLIS, MSc (Computer Science, Mathematics), PGDM in Computer Applications | |
BA (General), BCom, BBA, BCA, BSc Hons (IT, Data Science, Cyber Security), BLIS, BJMC, BSW, MA (Economics, English, Gujarati, Hindi, History, Political Science, Sociology), MCom, MBA, MCA, MSc (IT, Cyber Security, Mathematics), MSW, MLIS | |
BCom, BBA, BSc (IT), BCA, MCom | |
BA (History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Kannada, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Philosophy, Education), BCom, BBA, BCA, BSc (PCM, CBZ, IT, Environmental Science, Data Science, Cyber Security), BSW, BLIS, MA (Kannada, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, JMC, Ancient History & Archaeology, Education), MCom, MBA, MCA, MSc (Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, IT, Environmental Science, Data Science, Geography, Earth Science, Life Science), MSW, MLIS OL: BA (History, Economic, Political Science), B.Com, MA (Sanskrit), MSc (Mathematics), MA (Economics), MA (Hindi), MA (English), MA (Kannada), MCom, MBA | |
BA (Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Malayalam, English, Economics, Philosophy, History, Sociology), BLIS, MA (English, Malayalam, History, Sociology), MLIS | |
BA (Combination of 3 subjects) (History / PoliticalScience / Sociology / Economics / Hindi / English / Geography / Sanskrit), BLIS, Bachelor of Journalism, BSc (Combination of 3 Subjects) (Physics / Chemistry / Zoology / Mathematics / Statistics / Economics), BSc (Data Science, Cyber Security), MA (Economics, Hindi, Sociology, History, Political Science, Geography, English), BBA (Hons), BCA (Hons), M.Ed (Special Education), BA (Hons) - Political Science, B.Com (Hons), BSc (Hons) (Chemistry), BSc (Hons)(Cyber Security), BSc (Hons)(Data Science), B.Sc. Hons (Botany), B.A. Hons. (Hindi), MBA (STEM), MSW, Master of Journalism, MSc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Zoology, IT, Cyber Security, Botany), M.Com, PGD in Rehabilitation Psychology, PGD (FinTech, AI and Data Science) | |
MA (History, Education, English, Hindi, Political Science, Sociology(, MSc (Environmental Science, IT,), MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS , BA (General, Mass Communication & Journalism, Hospitality Studies, Media Graphics & Animation, Computer System Administration), BSc (General, Botany–Chemistry–Zoology, IT ), BCom, BBA, BCA, BEd (Special Education), BLIS | |
BA (Hons) (Economics), BA (Hons) (Hindi), BA (Hons) (English), BA (Hons) (Odia), BA (Hons) (Political Science), BA (Hons) (History), MA (Public Administration, Political Science, Hindi, Sanskrit, Odia, History, Economics, Sociology, Rural Development, English), MSc, MCom, MBA (Disaster Management), MCom, MA (J&MC) | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS , BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BLIS | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MSW, MLIS, BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS, BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS, BEd (Special Education), Diplomas & PG Diplomas (per PDF) | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS, BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS, BEd (Special Education), PG Diplomas | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS , BA, BCom, BSc, BLIS | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MSW, MLIS ,BA (combination of 3 subjects) (Hindi, English, Political Science, Ancient History & Archaeology, History, Economics, Public Administration, Sociology, Sanskrit, Philosophy, Urdu, Education, Fashion Designing, Textile Designing, Mathematics, Statistics, Geography), BSc (PCM, CBZ,), BCom, BBA, BLIS, BEd (Special) | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS, MSW , BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BLIS | |
MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, MLIS , BA, BCom, BSc, BLIS |
Open University Programme Fee
The fee of open universities’ programmes differs based on the programme level and specialisation opted for. The table below shows the fee of open university programmes.
| University Name | Fees |
|---|---|
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University | Rs 30,800 - Rs 66,000 |
Nalanda Open University | Rs 7,200 - Rs 40,000 |
Pt. Sundarlal Sharma Open University | Rs 4,300 - Rs 27,500 |
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University | Rs 3,800 - Rs 40,000 |
Jharkhand State Open University | Rs. 12,600 - Rs 46,200 |
Karnataka State Open University | Rs 30,000 - Rs 80,000 |
Sreenarayana Guru Open University | - |
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | - |
Odisha State Open University | Rs 15,000 - Rs 21,800 |
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University | Rs 16,000 - Rs 40,000 |
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | Rs. 5,800 - Rs. 17,300 |
Tamil Nadu Open University | Rs. 14,900 - Rs. 22,000 |
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University | Rs. 14,400 - Rs. 1,20,000 |
Mata Tripura Sundari Open University | Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 36,000 |
U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University | Rs. 4,500 - Rs. 15,000 |
Uttarakhand Open University | Rs 13,900 - Rs 73.350 |
Netaji Subhas Open University | Rs 7,600 - Rs 40,000 |
Open Universities in India: Admission 2025
The admission process for Open Universities in India varies from one university to another. Students who want to enrol in these universities are required to fill out the application form, and submit an ID proof along with the required documents for the degree. Once admission is confirmed, shortlisted candidates will receive credentials for the LMS through which they can access course materials.
Depending on the programmes, some universities may conduct entrance exams as part of their admission process. Based on the test result, the universities shortlist the candidates and provide admission confirmation.
Open University Admission Process
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for an online degree from a selected university
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Visit the university’s official website
Navigate to the admission portal
Step 2: Online Registration
Create a new account by providing basic details like name and email.
If already registered, log in with your existing credentials.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter the personal, educational, and contact information accurately.
Select your desired programme carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload documents such as passport size photo, signature, and certificates.
Follow the size and format guidelines specified by the university.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Complete the payment using online modes like card, net banking, or UPI.
Save the payment receipt or screenshot for future reference.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Check all entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy.
Apply and note the confirmation number received.
Step 7: Follow-Up
Download an acknowledgement or application printout if required.
Check emails or portal notifications for updates.
Recent Updates from UGC
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced several initiatives to streamline and enhance the quality of ODL education:
New Enrollment Process: Effective from April 2025, the UGC has launched a new enrollment process for students applying to ODL and Online programs for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to ensure that students enroll only in recognised Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), enhancing the transparency and integrity of the admissions process.
Extension of Admission Deadlines: In response to various representations from HEIs, UGC has extended the last date for admissions to ODL and online programs for the academic session of July-August 2025 to October 15, 2025.
Prohibition on Online Healthcare Programmes: Starting from July 2025, UGC has prohibited the offering of healthcare and allied subjects through online and ODL modes. This decision affects courses such as psychology, microbiology, and biotechnology.
Open universities in India offer flexible and accessible education options, meeting the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. They provide a wide range of programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses, allowing learners to pursue education at their own pace and convenience. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals, homemakers, and those living in remote areas, enabling them to continue their education without disrupting other commitments.
Open Universities in India are also known for their affordable fees, making higher education more accessible to a larger population. Over the years, the admission process of open universities has evolved to become more streamlined and user-friendly, often including online applications and document submissions. By combining affordability, flexibility, and inclusivity, open universities play a vital role in democratising education and expanding learning opportunities across India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, as Open Universities are recognised by UGC, the degrees from these universities are equivalent to regular degrees.
The fee for Open university programmes vary from university to university and programme level, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 1,20,000.
Yes, degrees from Nalanda Open University (NOU) are valid as it is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).
An IGNOU degree is generally considered valid and recognised in foreign countries, particularly for higher education and employment.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is ranked top among open universities in India in 2025.
