List of Open Universities in India 2025: Public/ Private Status, Courses, Fee

Here's your guide to the open universities in the country. Check out how these universities are doing their bit to make distance learning more and more accessible. Also, find the links to their websites for more info on this page.

List of Open Universities in India - Concept of tradional classroom education is a challenge for many students nowasays. People struggling with economic problems, studies, jobs, and even health issues find it difficult to attend regular classes in a school, college, and university setting. To tackel with such major issues, Indian education system has introduced open universities to help more people get education and degree. These universities allow working professionals, homemakers, farmers, people residing in remote areas, etc., to pursue higher education, upskill and grab new opportunities for career advancement. Open universities offer flexibility and distance learning opportunities in almost every discipline that regular colleges have to offer. They give students greater access since admission requirements are minimal. This, in turn, lets a wide range of people access higher education. In this article, we are going to list open universities in India. We will also take a brief look at the courses and some other facilities they offer. Read further to learn more about open universities in India.

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What is an Open University?

An open university offers distance learning programmes. They are flexible, give open access and offer both part-time and full-time courses. Open universities in India cover different levels of education. They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma/ certificate courses. However, there is help, but the concept of open universities mostly relies on self-directed learning. Students are responsible for their learning and progress in a course. They still have to submit assignments and appear for exams on time. You might have heard of IGNOU, or Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU. Several other open universities in the country hold good reputations. Let’s list them out. 

Note - This list is not in priority, popularity, or rank order. 

Also Read: Toughest Exams in India 2025

List of Open Universities in India 

Check different functional open universities of India in the list below. 

Name of the Open University	Location	Public/ Private Status
IGNOU	New Delhi	Public
MP Bhoj Open University	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh	Public
Netaji Subhas Open University	Kolkata, West Bengal	Public
BRAOU	Telangana	Public
Symbiosis Centre of Distance Learning	Pan India	Private
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University	Guwahati	Public
Nalanda Open University	Patna, Bihar	Public
Uttarakhand Open University	Haldwani, Uttarakhand	Public
DU School of Open Learning	Delhi	Public
Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University	Kota, Rajasthan	Public
UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh	Public
Maharishi Dayanand University	Rohtak, Haryana	Public
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University	Nashik, Maharashtra	Public
Karnataka State Open University	Mysore, Karnataka	Public
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University	Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh	Public
Tamil Nadu Open University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	Public
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University	Ahmedabad, Gujarat	Public
Odisha State Open University	Sambalpur, Odisha	Public

Indira Gandhi National Open University

IGNOU is, without a doubt, the most popular open university in the country. Chosen by many, this university was established in 1985 by the Government of India. With approximately 4 million enrollments, it also happens to be the world’s largest university. IGNOU’s head office is located in Delhi, but as of today, they have an enormous network of 67 regional centres across the country. They have 27 Schools of Study. Not only that, the university further provides its students with more than 2500 learner support centres and 29 overseas partner institutions. They call themselves “The People’s University”, and they certainly have the numbers supporting their claim. Also, they topped the list of open universities based on the NIRF 2024 rankings. 

Official Website - https://www.ignou.ac.in/ 

They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and a wide range of diploma and certificate programmes. Some popular courses offered by them are - 

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

Simply known as Bhoj University, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University is located in Bhopal, MP. It was established in 1991. Its regional centres are across the districts of Madhya Pradesh. Like other open universities in the country, the tuition fee for their courses is quite nominal and extremely affordable. 

Official Website - https://mpbou.edu.in/ 

They offer over 40 courses in the streams of Management & Commerce, Information Technology and Computer Science, Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Department of Education. Popular courses include - 

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• PG Diploma in Computer Applications
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Master of Arts (MA)

Netaji Subhas Open University 

Based out of Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Open University was ranked as the second-best open university in this year's NIRF ranks list. It was established on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 100th birth anniversary year, 1997. Their aim is to build and improve the human resource base of the state by providing quality education. They have schools of Humanities, Social Sciences, Vocational Studies, Education and Professional Studies. 

Official Website - https://www.wbnsou.ac.in/index_web.shtml

Popular courses at Netaji Subhas Open University include - 

• Advanced Diploma Programme in Journalism and Mass Communication
• MEd Special Education
• BCom
• Advanced Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising 
• Master of Social Work

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University 

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) is also known as Telangana Open University. Earlier, it was known as Andhra Pradesh Open University. It was established in 1982. The university has gained popularity in the state, providing education to a large number of non-formal learners. Their course materials are available in English, Telugu and Urdu in both print and digital forms. 

Official Website - https://braou.ac.in/#gsc.tab=0 

Some popular courses offered by this open university are - 

• B.Lib.I.Sc
• M.Lib.I.Sc
• MSc
• MBA 
• MCom

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning  

The Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) was established in 2001. Since Symbiosis is such a renowned name, their distance education programmes were also quick to gain progress and popularity. They provide several postgraduate diplomas, diplomas, and certificate programmes in the streams of legal studies, business management, IT, banking and finance, healthcare, international business, entrepreneurship development and education. 

Official Website - admissions.scdl.net 

Some frequently chosen programmes at SCDL are listed below - 

• PG Diploma in Marketing
• PG Diploma in Data Science
• PG Diploma in School Counselling
• PG Diploma in Business Administration
• PG Diploma in Business & Corporate Law

Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University

KKHSOU is a relatively newer open university compared to the rest of the names on this list. Based out of Guwahati, this open university was established in 2005. This university offers several distance learning courses, including BA, MA, BBA and MBA. It is UGC recognised and also a member of AIU (Association of Indian Universities). Students from across Assam choose this university to pursue open-format programmes. 

Official Website - https://kkhsou.ac.in/

Popular courses at KKHSOU include -

• MBA 

• BBA

• MA in Assamese
• MSc in IT
• BCom   

Nalanda Open University 

Nalanda Open University is a prestigious university based in Patna, Bihar. It was established in 1987 by an ordinance issued by the Bihar Government. It was named after the famous ancient Buddhist Nalanda University. Their aim is to provide higher education to special groups like older people, people living in remote areas, ex-servicemen, housewives, etc., through their distance learning programmes. 

Official Website - https://www.nou.ac.in/Library/index.html 

People often choose the following courses at Nalanda Open University - 

• BJMC
• BCom 
• MCom 
• PG Diploma in Marketing Management 
• PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication 

Uttarakhand Open University 

Located in the city of Haldwani, Uttarakhand Open University was established in 2005. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. They also offer PhD degrees, but only after full-time programmes. Interestingly, they also have a Hindi community radio station called Hello Haldwani. Its broadcast is based out of the university building. It serves as an information portal, and it also provides online access to radio broadcasts. 

Official Website - https://www.uou.ac.in/#openModal 

Popular courses include - 

• MA Yoga 
• Diploma in Commercial Horticulture 
• BBA
• Diploma in Geo-Informatics
• BCom 

Delhi University School of Open Learning

The School of Open Learning was established in 1962. Further, Delhi University also established the Department of Distance and Continuing Education (DDCE), the Open Learning Development Centre (OLDC) backed by the Campus of Open Learning (COL) in 2022. When SOL started out, it became a pioneer of distance learning programmes. It was earlier known as the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education. The postgraduate and undergraduate courses offered here are supported through their Personal Contact Programme provided at the various study centres of the school. 

Official Website - https://web.sol.du.ac.in/home 

Some popular programmes at the School of Open Learning are - 

• LLM 
• MA Political Science 
• MCom 
• B.Lib.I.Sc
• M.Lib.I.Sc

Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University 

This open university operates in Kota, Rajasthan. It came into being in 1987. VMOU recognises itself as an instrument of democratizing education and augmenting opportunities for higher education. They aim to provide a wide-access, flexible, innovative and cost-effective system of education. They have regional centres in Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Udaipur.  

Official Website - https://www.vmou.ac.in/

Frequently chosen courses include - 

• B.Lib.I.Sc.
• Bachelor of Journalism 
• Certificate in Creative Writing in English 
• BEd
• MBA 

Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University 

Established in 1999, this is the official open university by the UP Government. Just like other open universities on the list, UPRTOU also aims to provide education to housewives, servicemen, people living in remote locations, elders, economically weaker sections, etc. 

Official Website - https://uprtouexam.in/ 

Some courses that students often go for at UPRTOU are - 

• MBA 
• MSc
• BCA 
• PGDCA 
• BCom 

Maharishi Dayanand University

Situated in Rohtak, Maharishi Dayanand University has a Centre for Distance and Online Education. The correspondence cell in the university was established in 1988. It was only renamed in 2012. In addition to the services generally provided by open universities, this open university also provides its students with auditoriums, a university computer centre, a DDE conference hall, etc. 

Official Website - https://mdu.ac.in/Department/OfficeMain.aspx?Dept=43 

Popular courses include - 

• Stenography (English)
• Certificate in French 
• Certificate in Education 
• Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
• PG Diploma in Data Analytics

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Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University

YCMOU was established in the year 1989. It operates out of Nashik and has regional centres all across Maharashtra. This university aims to become a ‘Mass Varsity’ and ‘Reach the Unreached’ by means of its distance learning programmes. According to their website, they have 8 regional centres in the state, along with 1711 learner support centres. They provide need-based academic programmes that include certificate courses, diploma courses, undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses. In addition to English, they also offer some popular courses in Marathi. 

Official Website - https://ycmou.ac.in/home 

Popular courses at YCMOU include - 

• Certificate Programme in Counsellor Training 
• Certificate Program in Foundation in Agriculture
• Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism 
• MCA 
• BCom (Cooperative Management)

Karnataka State Open University

KSOU was established in 1996. By providing distance learning higher education, they aim to achieve access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability. Before becoming a university, KSOU was the Institute of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education under the University of Mysore. Their motto is “Higher Education for Everyone Everywhere”. 

Official Website - https://www.ksoumysuru.ac.in/ 

Courses that students often pick at KSOU include - 

• Post-Graduation Certificate in English 
• MBA 
• MA Economics 
• MA Journalism and Mass Communication 
• Diploma in Information Technology 

Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University 

Relatively new, this open university in Chhattisgarh was established in 2005. Pt. Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University was named after the famous freedom fighter from the region. The university’s focus is to deliver education to people from remote and tribal areas of the state. In addition to undergraduate and postgraduate courses, students can also choose to pursue several certificate and diploma courses at this open university. 

Official Website -  https://www.pssou.ac.in/index?page=index_main 

Frequently pursued courses at the university include - 

• BA Political Science 
• MSW 
• MSc Mathematics 
• Diploma in Elementary Education 
• BEd

Tamil Nadu Open University 

This renowned university first started operations in the academic year 2003-04. Over the last twenty-something years, TNOU has experienced great growth. Currently, they teach over a million students in 234 programmes that they offer. Their aim is to provide skill-based education and training to the disadvantaged groups of the state. 

Official Website - https://tnou.ac.in/

Popular courses at TNOU include - 

• MA Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration 
• MA History 
• MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy 
• Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant 
• B.Litt. Tamil Literature 

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad 

Ranked third in the NIRF 2024 Rankings for Open Universities, BAOU operates out of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This incredible open university aims to provide higher education to a larger and unreached student base. They also aim to promote the educational well-being of the community as a whole. 

Official Website - https://baou.edu.in/home 

Popular courses at BAOU include - 

• MSc Data Science 
• MAJMC 
• BSc (Hons) in IT
• Diploma in Financial Management 
• Diploma in Multimedia and Animation 

Odisha State Open University

Established only in 2015, OSOU is the youngest institute on the list. Based in Sambalpur, this open university has operations and jurisdiction all over the state of Odisha. Through their distance learning programmes, they aim to increase the state’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), promote inclusiveness in education and provide skill training and capacity building to increase employability. Being established in relatively recent times, the university has some modern and interesting strategic goals. They aim to provide self-learning material in both English and regional languages. They are also working to install biometric systems and CCTV at the study centres, among other developments. In addition to that, they also wish to build a faculty and student exchange programme so that best practices are adopted by the institute. 

Official Website - https://osou.ac.in/  

Popular courses include - 

• MA 
• BA 
• BCom 
• MCom 
• Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery 

Choosing Your Ideal Open University - Things to Consider 

You might want to consider the following things while choosing your ideal Open University. 

• If you have an institute in mind, look it up online and check the reviews. 
• Find out if they offer the course of your choice. 
• Find out if there are any study centres and support centres nearby.
• Compare tuition fees with other institutes. 
• Check if you have to appear for an entrance exam. Some universities like DU SOL might have entrance exams, while others might give admissions based on merit.
• Ensure that the university is UGC recognised at least. 
• Check if the course material and other learning resources are available. And if they are, find out if they are available in digital or physical form. 
• You might also want to check the credentials of your course coordinators. 

Honourable Mentions 

• JNTU
• Jagat Guru Nanak Dev, Punjab State Open University
• Amity School of Distance Learning [Master of Science in EVS, BSc (IT), MSc (IT)].
• Acharya Nagarjuna University

Why Open Universities Are Important for Future Education

Open universities are important because they let you learn in ways that fit your life, even when you busy or stay far from any college. You can study slowly or fast, how you feel good, and the rules not too tight like normal schools. It also help people who don’t got much money still get good education without feeling left out.

In future education, open universities get even more important because jobs keep changing so quick and you need new skills many times in your life. You can keep learning anytime, and it don’t force you stop working or leave your home. This kind of open learning make study easy for everyone, and it help you stay ready for whatever the world bringing next.

Distance Learning Universities in Major States and Cities

Aspiring higher education students can also check the list of distance education universities in various states and cities from the table below. 

Kerala	Hyderabad
Maharashtra	Kolkata
Chennai	Bangalore
Bihar

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