Distance Education

With distance education, you will be able to obtain desired academic qualification without attending classes regularly. This mode of learning is ideal for those who want to continue education while working.

Can I graduate in one sitting?

Distance education does not mean that you will be able to obtain a degree in less than three years or in one sitting. The duration of a distance program is either the same as the regular program or slightly longer.

Do I require any formal qualification?

Need not necessarily. Under the Open University System, students without a formal academic background can pursue further education by doing preparatory courses. For example, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) allows students to pursue Bachelor’s degree without any formal qualification by completing a Bachelor’s Preparatory Program for 3 months. Some of the courses offered through the open system require students to obtain admission through an entrance test. While Open universities enable everyone to obtain a degree or diploma, there are some pitfalls too. Not all Open degrees are valid.

How do I know if an Open degree program is valid?

Most Distance Education Programs offered by a University recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) are valid. But note that if you are opting for a professional program, it has to be recognized by the concerned professional body. For example, an engineering degree course has to be approved by AICTE; a dental science program has to be approved by the Dental Council of India.

Is my distance/open degree equal to a regular degree?

Degrees obtained through open/ distance education programs are normally considered equal to regular degree programs. A candidate who has obtained a Bachelor’s degree/ a Post Graduate degree under the Open University Scheme/ Distance Education Scheme with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) is eligible for the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management. You can also appear for the Civil Service Examination as well as other tests.