List of Top Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra: Courses, Tuition Fee

Continue your higher education with a flexible, distance learning programme. Find out the universities that offer distance education courses in Maharashtra here.

Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra

List of Top Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra - Numerous private and public institutes in Maharashtra offer open and distance learning programmes. These distance education universities are aimed at offering flexible programmes through which students can learn at their own pace, obtain a degree, add to their educational qualifications, and still manage their jobs and other responsibilities. In this article, we will discuss some distance learning institutes, open universities in Maharashtra and the courses offered by them. Read further to learn more. 

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Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) 

YCMOU Nashik or simply Maharashtra Open University is a public open university that was established in 1989. The prestigious institute is one of the pioneers of distance learning in the country. It was the fifth open university in India. It has regional centres across Maharashtra that are aimed at providing education in the most remote corners of the state. Their website mentions that there are a total of 8 regional centres and about 1711 learners support centres. They offer need-based and skill-based distance learning programmes. Their programmes include certificate courses, diploma courses, undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses. Some of their popular courses include -

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

Unlike the former institute on this list, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning is a private institute established in 2001. Symbiosis CDL offers 70+ UG, PG, diplomas and certificate courses. To further strengthen their objective of flexible learning possibilities, they have launched an online assessment system that they claim to be the first of its kind in the country. SCDL provides its students with the best academic resources for learning and evaluation from its sister management institutes and the industry. They offer courses in Technology, Management, Finance, Education, Law, Design, Healthcare, Mass Media and Agriculture. Some of their popular courses include - 

Tata Institute of Social Sciences 

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is another reputable educational institute based out of Mumbai. At TISS, they offer Online Programmes and Open & Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. Their online programmes consist of certificate courses, PG diploma courses and one PhD course. Their ODL programmes include an MA in Elementary Education and a PG Diploma in Digital Library and Information Management. Their most popular courses and their tuition fee is provided in the table below.

NMIMS Centre of Distance and Online Education (CDOE)

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies is a well-known institute based out of Mumbai. Established in 1994 as the distance learning arm of NMIMS, this institute has a long history of providing quality education and student services. Its focus is on developing job-ready skills and preparing students for the corporate world. The NMIMS CDOE's MBA WX program, in particular, is designed specifically for working professionals, allowing them to pursue advanced education without interrupting their careers. A list of NMIMS CDOE courses and their associated fees is available below.

Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya 

Established in 1997 by an Act of Parliament, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (MGAHV) is a Hindi medium university that offers distance education in various disciplines. They offer courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Their most popular courses include BEd and MA. Some other courses that the university provides are mentioned in the table below. 

Honourable Mentions 

Some other institutes that offer distance learning in Maharashtra are listed below. 

• Balaji Institute of Modern Management - BIMM is one of the most prominent management institutes in the state. In addition to other courses, the institute offers a distance-learning executive MBA aimed at providing working professionals with a higher education. 
• Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research - Similar to the institute mentioned above, Welingkar or WESchool is a business school that offers executive MBA/ PGDM which can cost students anywhere between INR 4-7 lakhs.  

Higher Education Environment in Maharashtra and the Role of Open Universities

Maharashtra is one of the leading states in the country for higher education. Some of the top universities like NMIMS, Symbiosis, University of Mumbai, D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and major film and acting schools are all located in Maharashtra. Students pour into the state from all over the country to pursue their higher education. In addition to that, people in huge numbers move to cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. A huge portion of these people pursue their higher education and additional education after graduation through distance learning. This is where these distance education institutes and open universities come into play. The eligibility requirements for admissions at these institutes are more relaxed when compared to regular, classroom programmes. They save time and resources as well. 

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