What is an Open University?: Advantages, List of Popular Universities, How to Choose

Find out what an open university is and how its distance learning programmes aid higher education.

What is an Open University?

What is an Open University? - With the rising demand for skill-based education in India, the number of open universities with alternative regular courses is on the rise. Open Universities have lots of pros. Open universities in India offer distance learning and online programmes. They have made education accessible to even those residing in remote areas where higher education opportunities and facilities are quite limited. The public open universities in India can be categorised into two - central and state. For example, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a central open university and Nalanda Open University is state-run. There are also numerous private institutes in the country that offer distance learning.

As per the Department of Higher Studies of the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), Open and Distance Learning can be defined as a system “wherein teachers and learners need not necessarily be present either at the same place or the same time and is flexible in regard to modalities and timing of teaching and learning as also the admission criteria without compromising necessary quality considerations”. Open Universities make the ideal choice for people who live in remote locations or are unable to attend regular classes due to some responsibilities. Let's find out more about open universities in the article below.

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Advantages of Studying at an Open University

Open universities can benefit different people from different walks of life in the following ways.

• Open Universities provide education through an open-door academic policy, i.e. a system of education wherein admission is granted to the candidates on the basis of minimum education and previous academic record. In addition to that experience or references are not mandatory.
• These universities follow no-classroom teaching methods, thus their fees are affordable for people from various economic demographics.
• Open Universities offer access to quality education and skill development to learners in remote areas as well as those who are medically not fit to attend classes regularly.
• Another important feature of Open Universities is that there’s no age limit as such. Any person from any walk of life at any age can pursue higher education.
• Open Universities function under UGC’s purview hence, the degrees and certificates awarded are UGC approved and valid in every regard.
• Open Universities offer relaxation in the duration of a programme. For eg: A three-year programme can be completed in four or six years.
• The goal of Open Universities is to offer equal opportunity to everyone to learn and acquire knowledge to raise their level of living.
• Open Universities can accommodate thousands of students. Indira Gandhi National Open University is the largest university in the world in terms of intake, having approximately 4 million students across the globe.

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Who Should Opt for an Open University?

• Open University is ideal for people who haven’t had the fortune of pursuing regular schooling or did not score good grades in higher secondary, for any reason.
• For those residing in remote areas, not properly connected with the city by road or transport, Open University is the best solution as attendance is not a factor and the study material can be sent to them by post. There are regional centres set up by open universities where students can submit assignments and take exams.
  
• Opting for an Open University is most beneficial to the students from the weaker sections of society as they are not burdened with heavy fees and other expenditures plus they can take up a job alongside.
• Open University is best suited for candidates with gap year/years too. Some people have to give up education due to medical or financial reasons. For these people, gap years pose a big problem when they plan to resume education. Open Universities are open to such candidates as they offer equal opportunity to all.
• People with full-time jobs and families to take care of, also often choose open universities to pursue higher education. 

List of Popular Open Universities 

Here’s the list of Open Universities in India which offer numerous academic programmes at nominal charges. The following universities are government-funded and act under the purview of UGC:

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IGNOU 

Established in 1985, Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU is the largest, most popular of all open universities currently operating in the country. At IGNOU, they offer more than 200 distance learning programmes in 27 Schools of Study (or streams). These programmes are supported by an easy online portal, an enormous network of 67 regional centres, more than 2500 learner support centres and 29 overseas partner institutions. Yes, this renowned open university is also providing distance learning in several other Asian countries. The most frequently chosen courses among IGNOU students are BA, MA, MBA and BEd. The average tuition fee at IGNOU is between INR 10K to 50K. 

How to Choose an Open University?

Consider the following factors while choosing your ideal open university. 

• Figure out what your educational goals are. Determine what course you want to enrol on and how much time you can dedicate to it.
• Check if open universities with regional study centres in your proximity offer your desired course. 
• Check if the tuition fee for your programme at your chosen university fits your budget. 
• Check details about the university, read reviews, check out what facilities they have to offer, and also check for accreditations by UGC, NAAC, AICTE and the likes. 
• Also, look up information about student support, faculty and industry recognition. 

Open Learning Institutes in Major States and Cities

In the table below, students who wish to enrol on a distance learning programme can check out some state-wise and city-wise lists of open and distance learning institutes. 

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