What is Distance/Correspondence MSc Full Form, Course Duration, Admission [Year], Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Mar 7, 2025 06:09 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

MSc Correspondence or MSc Distance Education is a PG program of 2 years for those who do not want to pursue a regular course. The MSc Distance Education program ensures flexibility for students by allowing them to receive a Master’s degree in their desired specialization through distance mode without physically attending the college.

The basic MSc Correspondence eligibility criteria is to obtain a BSc degree in any relevant specialization with minimum 50%. The admissions are based on merit procedure

Some popular MSc Distance Education colleges in India include SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Andhra University, Gujarat University, Guwahati University, Annamalai University, IGNOU, NSOU and many more. The average MSc Distance Education course fee ranges between INR 2,000 and INR 1.8 Lakh.

The average MSc Distance Education salary in India is INR 4 - 10 LPA. 

Also read-

All about BSc Distance Education

Distance MSc Course Details

Distance MSc courses are designed to provide flexibility to students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programs due to work commitments, geographical constraints, or other personal reasons. Candidates can check other key highlights of Distance MSc courses in the table below:

Parameters

Course Details

Distance MSc Course Level

PG

Distance MSc Full Form

Master of Science in Distance Education/Correspondence

Distance MSc Course Duration

2 Years

Distance MSc Course Fees

INR 2,000 - 1.2 Lakh

Distance MSc Admission Procedure

Merit-based

Distance MSc Colleges in India

YCMOU, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Andhra University, Guwahati University, Vidyasagar University, IGNOU, etc.

Distance MSc Jobs

Software Developer/Engineer, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Environmental Scientist, Web Developer etc.

Distance MSc Salary in India

INR 6.8 LPA

Distance MSc Top Recruiters

Ranbaxy, GAIL, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC, etc.

Source- Multiple external sites, info may vary.

Read more-

List of IGNOU Courses in Distance Education

Q:   Is Distance MSc from IGNOU valid?
A:

MSc degrees from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) are considered valid and recognised by various institutions, employers, and government bodies in India. 

IGNOU is a central university and one of the largest open universities globally. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and the Distance Education Council (DEC).

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Q:   Who should pursue MSc Distance program?
A:

Working professionals, career changers, geographically remote learners, lifelong learners, and individuals with personal commitments can pursue MSc Distance programs. It offers them the freedom of learning from anywhere, anytime without having to compromise on their time and comfort.

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Q:   What are the advantages of Distance MSc?
A:

Some advantages of pursuing an MSc Correspondence course include:

  • Flexibility 
  • Independent activity of students
  • Ability to work at a consistent pace
  • Individual approach of students
  • Ability to revise subject material
  • Learn while working 
 
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Table of contents
  • Distance MSc Courses: Eligibility Criteria
  • Distance MSc Syllabus 2025
  • Best Colleges for Distance MSc Courses in India
  • Popular Private Distance/Correspondence M.Sc. Colleges in India
  • Distance MSc Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Distance MSc Courses FAQs
  • Course Cutoffs
View More

Distance MSc Courses: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should know that eligibility can be different according to the courses. This is why they should check it. Failure to fulfill the eligibility can lead to cancellation of candidature.

Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below:

  • Pass BSc graduate with 50%
  • No age limit

Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.

 

Distance MSc Courses Admission 

Candidates can check a general overview of the admission process below:

  • Make sure you meet the eligibility
  • Apply online by filling the form
  • Take entrance exam
  • Wait for the merit list and result
  • If selected, attend the counselling session
  • Get the documents verified and pay the fee to secure the seat

 

Q:   Am I eligible for Distance MSc after regular BSc degree?
A:

You can pursue a Distance MSc course after completing your BSc regular. The minimum eligibility criteria for Distance MSc is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university.

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Q:   Can I get direct admission to MSc Distance program?
A:

MSc Distance programme admissions are majorly based on merit system. Most colleges don't conduct entrance exams for Correspondence courses, hence, you can get direct admission just by fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

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Q:   What is the admission process for Distance MSc?
A:

Admission process for Distance MSc programme is quite simple. All you need is to find your desired college and determine the course specialisation they are offering. Fill the registration and application form, provide required documents, submit the admission fee, anf secure admission.

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Distance MSc Syllabus 2025

Distance MSc syllabus is similar to the regular MSc course syllabus, however, it varies depending on the specializations. Each MSc specialization has its course syllabus and curriculum. Here is a basic idea of the Distance MSc syllabus for students' reference through the MSc Mathematics syllabus.

MSc Correspondence Syllabus Semester I

Programming & Data Structure

Real Analysis

Linear Algebra

Differential Equations & Numerical Solutions

MSc Correspondence Syllabus Semester II

Algebra

Functional Analysis

Probability and Statistics

English Proficiency

MSc Correspondence Syllabus Semester III

Mathematical Modelling

Graph theory

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Pattern Recognition & Image Processing

MSc Correspondence Syllabus Semester IV

Coding Theory

Cryptography

Soft Computing and Its Applications

Project Work

Distance MSc Courses Specializations

Here are some common types of Distance MSc courses:

Distance MSc Courses

MSc Biochemistry 

MSc Bioinformatics 

MSc Biotechnology 

MSc (Information Technology) 

MSc Botany 

MSc Chemistry 

MSc Computer Science 

MSc Interior Designing 

MSc Environmental Science 

MSc Geography 

MSc Statistics 

MSc Physics 

MSc Zoology 

MSc Biology 

MSc Mathematics 

MSc Geophysics 

 

Popular Specializations

Q:   What is the Distance MSc course structure?
A:

MSc Distance Education course structure is divided into 4 semesters following the 2-year program. Along with the core and elective subjects, students get practical and laboratory experience, projects, dissertations, online seminars, etc.

Best Colleges for Distance MSc Courses in India

There are more than 120 Distance/Correspondence MSc colleges in India, of which, 30+ are government and around 40+ are private institutions. Candidates can find the tables below to get more details about the colleges.

Best Government Colleges for Distance MSc Courses

Several government universities and institutions in India are known for offering distance MSc courses. Here are some government institutions in India that have historically been recognized for their Distance MSc courses: 

Best Government Colleges

Tuition Fee

Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

INR 10,400 - INR 34,000

Guwahati University

INR 14,000

Acharya Nagarjuna University

INR 22,990

IGNOU

INR 15,000 - 72,200

YCMOU

INR 24,000 - INR 40,000

Netaji Subhas Open University

INR 10,400 - INR 36,000

Annamalai University (Distance Education), Tamil Nadu

INR 5,100 - INR 18,500

Shivaji University, Kolhapur

INR 2,000

VMOU

INR 13,800 - INR 34,600

Vidyasagar University

INR 14,000

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

Students also liked these MSc Courses links: 

Top 100 Colleges in India: Ranking, Fees, Placements, Cutoffs

Best Private Colleges for Distance MSc Courses

Several private institutions in India are known for offering distance MSc courses. Here are some private institutions in India that have historically been recognized for their distance MSc courses: 

Best Private Colleges

Tuition Fee

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

INR 1.2 Lakh

Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras

INR 15,350 - INR 30,850

Dr. C.V. Raman University

INR 36,000 - INR 58,000

Wisdom School of Management for Distance Education

INR 40,000

Microtek College of Management & Technology

INR 30,000 - INR 60,000

Sandip University

INR 30,000

Jogamaya Devi College

INR 41,000 - INR 45,600

Centre of Distance Education, Anna University

INR 12,000

The Global Open University

INR 18,130 - INR 28,150

Aryabhatta Degree College

INR 20,000

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

Students also liked these MSc Courses links: 

Top 10 BSc, MSc Colleges in India

1 Course
10.4 K - 34 K
4.5
14 K
8.4 LPA
2 Courses
22.99 K
6.5 LPA
1 Course
2 K
1.4 LPA
Q:   What are the top private distance MSc colleges in India?
A:

See the table below for private colleges with their total tuition fee, seat intake & eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee/Seat Intake

Eligibility

Dr. C.V. Raman University

INR 36,000- INR 58,000

UG with any stream

Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras

INR 15,000- INR 31,000

UG with any stream

Wisdom School of Management for Distance Education

INR 40,000

UG with any stream

Sandip University

INR 30,000- INR 50,000

UG with minimum 50% of aggregate

Q:   Do I need to appear for any entrance exam for admission to distance MSc in India?
A:

Hi, you don't really need to appear for any entrance exam to get admission to best distance MSc colleges in India; as most of the Distance MSc colleges in India accept students on merit basis.

Popular Private Distance/Correspondence M.Sc. Colleges in India

1 Course
10.4 K - 34 K
4.5
14 K
8.4 LPA
2 Courses
22.99 K
6.5 LPA
1 Course
2 K
1.4 LPA

Distance MSc Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Earning an MSc degree through distance education can open up so many career options for you. The career scope for individuals with a Distance MSc in India is vast and expanding across various industries. 

Distance MSc Average Salary in India

Here are some popular job profiles of this field:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Software Developer/Engineers

They are professionals who design, create, test and maintain software applications, systems, and programs. 

INR 8.1 LPA

Business Analysts

They are professionals who play a critical role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions within an organization.

INR 9.7 LPA

Financial Analysts

They are professionals who assess the financial health and performance of businesses or individuals and provide insights and recommendations to guide investment decisions. 

INR 6.1 LPA

Environmental Scientists

They are professionals who study the natural environment and work to understand, analyze, and address issues related to the Earth's ecosystems, natural resources, and overall environmental health.

INR 3.3 LPA

Biotechnologists

They are professionals who apply principles and techniques of Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, and other scientific disciplines to develop products and technologies that benefit various fields, including Medicine, Agriculture, Food Production, and the environment. 

INR 3 LPA

Distance MSc Top Recruiters

You can check the table below to see the Distance MSc top recruiters in India.

Top Recruiters

Ranbaxy

GAIL

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

BARC

Pfizer

Merck

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

Useful Links for Distance MSc Courses:

Job Opportunities & Salary Offered After BSc Degree

All about MSc Career

 

Q:   What are the top job profiles after doing distance MSc in India?
A:

Hi, you can refer below for the top job profiles offered by distance MSc in India:

Job Profile

Description

Average Salary (INR LPA)

Research Scientist

Conducts experiments, analyzes data, and contributes to scientific advancements in various fields.

4-8

Data Analyst

Collects, cleans, and analyzes data to extract insights and inform business decisions.

3-7

Software Developer

Designs, builds, and tests software applications.

4-10

Environmental Consultant

Advises companies on environmental regulations and helps them implement sustainable practices.

4-7

Clinical Research Associate

Manages clinical trials for new drugs and medical devices.

4-6

Quality Control Analyst

Ensures products and processes meet quality standards.

3-5

Science Teacher

Teaches Science subjects at schools or colleges.

3-5 (Government)

Business Analyst

Analyzes business processes and identifies areas for improvement.

4-7

Q:   How are the placements like for top Distance MSc colleges in India?
A:

Hi, given below are the top placements offered by best Distance MSc colleges in India:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Average Placement Package

GU

INR 14,000

INR 8.4 LPA

SRM IST

INR 17,000

INR 4.5 LPA

Andhra University

INR 10,000- INR 34,000

INR 4.5 LPA

Vidyasagar University

INR 12,000- INR 14,000

INR 3.5 LPA

Annamalai University

INR 22,000

INR 3.12 LPA- INR 3.52 LPA

Distance MSc Courses FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for MSc Correspondence course FAQs.

Q:   Are there any preparations required for Distance MSc?
A:

Although there's no entrance exam process for Distance MSc admissions, here are some preparation tips that can help you seamlessly get admission to your desired MSc Correspondence course;

  • Learn about the course's syllabus and subjects. Understanding the curriculum can help you choose the right career path. 
  • Before applying to this course, make sure you have the skills to help you get into the course
  • To complete this course, they should have a solid understanding of Science and Technology.
Q:   What are the skills required for a good MSc postgraduate?
A:

Here are some skills required to be a good MSc postgraduate program that will help you get a job and succeed in the professional world. 

  • Good Practical Skills
  • Ability to Solve Problems
  • Effective Decision-Making Skills
  • Leadership and Management Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Analytical Ability Time Management
Q:   Why do candidates prefer pursuing a distance M.Sc correspondence?
A:

Distance MSc (Master of Science) courses refer to postgraduate programs that allow students to earn a Master's degree without physically attending a university or college. Distance MSc courses are designed to provide flexibility to students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programs due to work commitments, geographical constraints, or other personal reasons.

Many universities and institutions offer MSc programs through online platforms. Students can access lectures, course materials, and assignments via the Internet. One of the main advantages of distance MSc courses is the flexibility in scheduling. Students can often study at their own pace, allowing them to balance their education with work or other commitments.

Q:   Why should I Study Distance MSc Courses?
A:

There are countless reasons why pursuing Distance MSc courses is beneficial for students as well as professionals. Candidates can find some reasons below:

  • Work and Study Balance: Distance MSc programs allow students to maintain employment while pursuing their education.

  • No Location Constraints: Distance education eliminates the need to relocate for studies. 

  • Reduced Expenses: Distance learning often results in lower overall costs compared to traditional on-campus programs.

  • Self-Paced Learning: Many distance MSc programs offer a self-paced learning environment. 

  • Wide Range of Specializations: Distance MSc programs cover a broad array of disciplines and specializations, allowing students to choose a field of study that aligns with their career goals and interests.

  • Diverse Student Body: Distance MSc programs attract students from various backgrounds and locations. 

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular Distance/Correspondence M.Sc. colleges is given below:
B.A. in Psychology and English : Mumbai University Admission 2025 Last Round Closing Percentage (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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SpecializationsDown Arrow Icon
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B.S. + M.S. : IISER Entrance Exam 2025 Last Round Closing Rank (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
M.P.A. in Dance (Kathak) : CUET-PG 2025 Last Round Closing Score (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
College202320242025
Banaras Hindu University– / –– / –650
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