All you need to know about BEd distance education

Students who want to take up the BEd distance education course are often perplexed by the idea of whether the correspondence course is valid or not. Read on to know more.

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a two-year degree course for students who aspire to become teachers in government and private schools. Among the popular courses for those planning to grow in the education sector, BEd can be pursued both full-time and distance. Those who plan to pursue this in the distance format can seek admission along with their regular jobs. However, one of the most commonly asked questions about BEd distance education course is whether or not the correspondence course holds any validation. Experts say that a degree in BEd distance education is valid only when obtained from a recognized university.

Shiksha lists some of the top recognized universities where an aspirant could pursue BEd distance education, their eligibility criteria, courses, fee structure, and admission process.

Also read:

• Distance BEd versus Regular BEd
• Government Teacher Salary in India

Everything about BEd Distance Education - Overview

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

IGNOU, established in 1985, is one of the recognized open universities in the country offering innovative programs and interactive study material that help students acquire knowledge, understand skills and methods to teach both theoretical and practical, and also develop aptitude. The institute is recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

Course Duration

The course duration varies between two and five years. It is available in both Hindi and English medium.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have at least a minimum score of 50 percent in Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree from a recognized university in Sciences/Commerce/Social Sciences/Humanity and 55 percent marks for Bachelor’s in Engineering and Technology with a specialization in Science and Mathematics
• Trained in-service elementary school teachers
• On completion of NCTE teacher education program in direct mode
• Five percent of reservation and relaxation of marks for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates
• Reservation for war widows and Kashmiri migrants
• Candidates must be 21 years of age as of the last day of their submission of forms

Also read: 

IGNOU BEd Eligibility 2026: Know the Complete Criteria for Admissions

Admission Process

IGNOU conducts an entrance test for admission into their BEd correspondence course:

• Candidates can apply online by registering only through the website: www.ntaignou.nic.in. No application form other than this online mode shall be accepted by the university.
• The e-prospectus and student handbook are available at www.ntaignou.nic.in and www.ignou.ac.in.
• After filling up the admission form, students must upload their recent photograph
• Candidates must follow the Information Bulletin regularly for updates
• Candidates must give a valid email address and mobile number
• The application fee is Rs 600 and can be paid through debit/credit cards or net banking
• Candidates must download the admit card from the NTA website and carry it to the examination hall. All details and instructions are available on the admit card.

IGNOU Course Fees

The total fee of the IGNOU correspondence BEd programme is Rs 50,000.

Also read:

• UP BEd JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026
• MA vs BEd - Which is Right for you?

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU)

TNOU is a recognized university and has been offering BEd Distance education for quite some time now. Candidates seeking TNOU 2026 BEd admission must follow the bulletin board for recent updates and details on exam dates and the announcement of results.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates who have passed the UG degree exams in the 10+2+3 system on any stream can apply. Candidates in their final year of the UG program can also apply.
• Candidates who have completed their PG degrees in the 10+2+5 system can apply. Here, marks obtained during the first three years are only taken into account.
• Candidates who have completed their teacher education program under NCTE can apply.
• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.
• Only students from the state of Tamil Nadu can apply.

Also read:

BEd: Know eligibility, admission process, job prospects & more

Admission Process

• The admission form and the prospectus are available at the official site at you.ac.in.
• Fill up all details including name, father’s name, date of birth, address, etc., as per the 10^th class exam certificate
• Send the application form along with a demand draft of Rs 500 in favor of TNOU

TNOU Course Duration

The total course duration is 2 years which can extend up to 5 years for completion.

Course Fees

TNOU's total course fees are only Rs 50,000.

Madhya Pradesh BHOJ Open University (MPBOU)

Established in 1991, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University was set up under the Act of State Legislature in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Eligibility Criteria 2026

Students applying for BEd 2026 admission must fulfill the following eligibility criteria list.

• A minimum score of 50 percent in UG/PG courses is needed.
• Graduates in Engineering and Technology with Science and Mathematics as specialized subjects must have a score of 55 percent
• A 10-mark reward for special candidates under the care of a father or mother with a letter of reward from a recognized university
• Candidates with a degree/diploma from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
• Reservation is there for SC/ST/PwD candidates under the Government of India

Admission Procedure

• Application forms for the MPBOU BEd entrance test are available online at www.mponline.gov.in.
• The application fee is Rs 800 with additional fees of Rs 50 for online registration. Late fees will be charged at Rs 250.
• Applicants can visit the official website of www.bhojvirtuluniversity.com for further details
• Students must download the hard copy of the admit card to be carried to the exam venue

Course Duration

The total course duration is two years and six months, and can extend up to 5 years under special circumstances.

Course Fees and Seats

The total course fee is Rs 36,000. The no of seats available is 500.

The distance BEd program is suitable for working professionals, in-service teachers, and those who cannot commit to full-time study. They can get a degree without affecting their current job or commitment. The distance BEd course provides candidates the flexibility to study at their own pace while continuing their job. 

Read more:

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