What is an Open University?
Open and Distance Learning can be defined as a system “wherein teachers and learners need not necessarily be present either at same place or 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 are significant for continuing quality education and skill development of persons residing at educationally disadvantageous locations.
What is an Open University?
With the rising demand of skill-based education in India, the number of open universities with alternative regular courses are emerging. Open Universities has a lot of pros it has made education accessible to even those residing in remote areas where there is lack of education facilties. In India, currently open system of education is categorised into two central and state. For example Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) comes under central and Nalanda Open University comes under state category. As per the Department of Higher Studies of 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 same place or 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 are significant for continuing quality education and skill development of persons residing at educationally disadvantageous locations.
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Open Universities Advantages
- Open Universities provide education through open-door academic policy, i.e. a system of education wherein admission is granted to the candidates on basis of minimum education and previous academic record, experience or references are not mandatory.
- These universities follow no-class room teaching method, thus their fee is affordable for all-rich, poor, working professionals, non-working people.
- 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 on daily basis.
- 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 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 3.5 million students across the globe.
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Who should opt for 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 through road or transport, Open University is the best solution as there is no worry of attendance marking and the study material will be sent to them by post.
- All the correspondence is done through post and the candidate is only required to visit the nearest study centre for exams, etc.
- Opting for Open University is most beneficial to the students from the weaker sections of the 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-year poses a big problem when they plan to resume education. Open Universities are open to such candidates as well as their motto is equal opportunity to all.
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:
Q: Is BRAOU degree valid?
Yes, Dr Br Ambedkar Open University Hyderabad degree is valid. The University offers three Undergraduate courses, including BA, BCom, and BSc. All the programmes of the University are recognised by Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC, New Delhi. At the postgraduate level, the University offers MA, MSc, MCom and MBA courses. Candidates seeking admission must visit the official website of the University to apply online.
Q: Is MBA available at IGNOU?
Yes, IGNOU also offers a two-year MBA programme in General, Banking & Finance, Financial Management, HRM, Marketing Management and Operations Management specialisations. Up until past years, i.e., 2021, IGNOU MBA admission was subject to valid scores obtained by the students in the IGNOU OPENMAT exam. However, for 2023 admission, OPENMAT was not conducted for the January and July sessions. Admission is now being granted on a merit-basis. The programme is offered with English as a medium of instruction and applications for the same can be submitted online on the official website.
Q: Is Karnataka State Open University a good college/Institute?
Karnataka State Open University offers open and distance Learning (ODL) courses. The university offers access to e-content, E-access to SLMs, books, and journals in the main library, and online lectures. Some of the digital initiatives taken by the KSOU are establishing Science labs, audio-video, virtual labs, etc.
Check below Shiksha student reviews on KSOU:
| List of Open Universities | |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Hyderabad |
| Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota | Nalanda Open University (NOU), Patna |
| Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik |
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU), Bhopal |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Ahmedabad |
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore |
| Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), Kolkata | U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad |
| Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai | Pt. Sunderlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Bilaspur |
| Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani |
Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Guwahati |
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IGNOU Distance Learning Courses
Candidates can check the list of courses at IGNOU to know about the types of courses offered at Open Universities such as UG, PG, and doctorate level:
| IGNOU Courses at School of Agriculture (SOA) |
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|---|---|---|
| PhD in Dairy Science and Technology (PhD DR) |
PhD in Agriculture Extension (PHD AGE) |
PG Diploma In Plantation Management (PG DPM) |
| PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PG DFSQM) |
PG Certificate in Agriculture Policy (PG CAP) |
Diploma in Dairy Technology (DDT) |
| Diploma in Value-added Products from Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds (DPVCPO) |
Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables (DVAPFV) |
Diploma in Fish Products Technology (DFPT) |
| Diploma in Watershed Management (DWM) |
Diploma in Meat Technology (DMT) |
Certificate in Sericulture (CIS) |
| Certificate in Water Harvesting and Management (CWHM) |
Certificate in Poultry Farming (CPF) |
Certificate in Bee Keeping (CIB) |
| Certificate in Organic Farming (COF) |
Training Programme on Betel Vine for farmers (Two Weeks) (TPBV) |
Certificate in Integrated Pest Management Technology in Potato Cultivation (CIPMT) |
| Awareness Programme on Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables (APVPFV) |
Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming (APDF) |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS) |
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| PhD Computer Science (PHD CS) |
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| Certificate in Information Technology (CIT) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Continuing Education (SOCE) |
||
| PhD in Rural Development (PHD RD) |
PhD in Food & Nutrition (PHD FN) |
|
| Master of Science in Counselling and Family Therapy (MSCCFT) |
Master of Science Degree in Dietetics and Food Service Management (M Sc(DFSM)) |
PG Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PG DCFT) |
| PG Diploma in Rural Development (PG DRD) |
Diploma in Panchayat Level Administration & Development (DPLAD) |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) |
| Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE) |
Certificate in Nutrition and Childcare (CNCC) |
Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN) |
| Certificate Programme in Rural Development (CRD) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Education (SOE) |
||
| PhD in Education (PHD EDU) |
||
| Master of Education (MEd ) |
MA in Adult Education (MAAE) |
PG Diploma in Higher Education Management (PG DHEM) |
| PG Diploma in Adult Education (PG DAE) |
PG Diploma in School Leadership and Management (PG DSLM) |
|
| PG Diploma in Education Technology (PG DET) |
PG Diploma in Educational Management and Administration (PG DEMA) |
PG Diploma in Pre-Primary Education (PG DPPED) |
| PG Certificate in Adult Education (PG CAE) |
PG Certificate in Information and Assistive Technologies for the Instructors of Visually Impaired (PG CIATIVI) |
|
| Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) |
Certificate in Elementary Teacher Education (for Tripura State) (CETE) |
Certificate in Guidance (CIG) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Engineering & Technology (SOET) |
||
| PhD in Mechanical Engineering (PHD MECE) |
PhD in Civil Engineering (PHD CENG) |
Advanced Certificate in Power Distribution Management (ACPDM) |
| Certificate in Energy Technology and Management (CETM) |
Certificate of Competency in Power Distribution (Technicians) (CCPD) |
Certificate in Motor Cycle Service and Repair (CMSR) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) |
||
| MA in Development Studies (MADVS) |
MA in Extension & Development Studies (MAEDS) |
PG Diploma in Urban Planning and Development (PG DUPDL) |
| PG Diploma in Extension and Development Studies (PG DEDS) |
PG Certificate in Extension and Development Studies (PG CEDS) |
Certificate Programme In Value Education (CPVE) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Foreign Languages (SOFL) |
||
| PhD in Arabic (PhD (A)) |
PhD in French (PhD(A)) |
Diploma in Teaching German as a Foreign Language (DTG) |
| Certificate in Russian Language (CRUL) |
Certificate in Spanish Language & Culture (CSLC) |
Certificate in French Language (CFL) |
| Certificate in Arabic Language (CAL) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Gender and Development Studies (SOGDS) |
||
| MA in Gender and Development Studies (MAGD) |
MA in Women’s and Gender Studies (MAWGS) |
PG Diploma in Women’s & Gender Studies (PG DWGS) |
| Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development (DWED) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Health Sciences (SOHS) |
||
| PhD in Nursing (PhD(N)) |
Post-Doctoral Certificate in Dialysis Medicine (PDCDM) |
PG Diploma in HIV Medicine (PG DHIVM) |
| PG Diploma in Maternal and Child Health (PG DMCH ) |
PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (PG DGM) |
|
| BSc Nursing (Post Basic) (BScN(PB)) |
Diploma in Nursing Administration (DNA) |
Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (DCCN) |
| Certificate in Newborn & Infant Nursing (CNIN) |
Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing (CMCHN) |
Certificate in Home Based Health Care (CHBHC) |
| Certificate in Health Care Waste Management (CHCWM) |
- |
|
| IGNOU Courses at School of Humanities (SOH) |
||
| PhD in English (PhD in English) |
PhD in Hindi (PhD in Hindi) |
|
| PG Diploma in Book Publishing (PG DBP) |
Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) |
|
| Diploma in Urdu (DUL) |
Certificate in Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTE) |
Certificate in Urdu Language (CUL) |
| Certificate Programme in Functional English (Basic level) (CFE) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies (SOITS) |
||
| PhD in Inter-disciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (PHDITS) |
MA (Philosophy) (MAPY) |
PG Diploma in Sustainability Science (PG DSS) |
| PG Diploma in Folklore and Culture Studies (PG DFCS) |
Appreciation Course on Population and Sustainable Development (ACPSD) |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS) |
||
| PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PG JMC) |
PG Diploma in Audio Programme Production (PG DAPP) |
Certificate in Community Radio (CCR) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Law (SOL) |
||
| PhD in Law (PHDLE) |
PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (PG DIPR) |
PG Diploma in Criminal Justice (PG DCJ ) |
| PG Certificate in Cyber Law (PG CCL) |
PG Certificate in Patent Practice (PG CPP) |
Diploma in Paralegal Practice (DIPP) |
| Certificate in Human Rights (CHR) |
Certificate in Consumer Protection (CCP) |
Certificate in International Humanitarian Law (CIHL ) |
| Certificate in Anti Human Trafficking (CAHT ) |
Certificate in Co-operation, Co-operative Law (CCLBL ) |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Management Studies (SOMS) |
||
| PhD in Management (PHDMGMT) |
PhD in Commerce (PHDCOM) |
|
| Master of Commerce in Finance & Taxation (MCom (F&T)) |
||
| Master of Commerce in Business Policy and Corporate Governance (MCom (BP & CG)) |
Master of Commerce in Management Accounting & Financial Strategies (MCom (MA&FS)) |
PG Diploma in International Business Operations (PG DIBO) |
| Bachelor of Commerce with Major in Accountancy and Finance (BCOMAF) |
BCom with Major in Corporate Affairs and Administration (BCom (CA&A)) |
|
| BCom with Major in Financial and Cost Accounting (BCom(F&CA)) |
BBA in Retailing (BBA(Retailing)) |
Diploma in Management (DIM) |
| Certificate in NGO Management (CNM) |
Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) |
Master of Philosophy in Commerce (MPHILCOM) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA) |
||
| Certificate in Performing Arts - Bharatnatyam (CPABN) |
Certificate in Performing Arts - Hindustani Music (CPAHM) |
Certificate in Performing Arts - Karnatak Music (CPAKM) |
| Certificate In Performing Arts -Theatre Arts (CPATHA) |
Certificate in Visual Arts - Painting (CVAP) |
Certificate in Visual Arts - Applied Arts (CVAA) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Sciences (SOS) |
||
| PhD in Statistics (PHDSTAT) |
PhD in Geography (PHDGG) |
PhD in Chemistry (PHDCHE) |
| MSc (Mathematics with Applications in Computer Science) (MACS) |
PG Diploma in Applied Statistics (PG DAST) |
PG Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (PG DAC) |
| PG Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development (PG DESD) |
PG Certificate in Geoinformatics (PG CGI) |
BSc (General) |
| Diploma in Aquaculture (DAQ) |
Certificate Programme in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) |
Certificate Programme in Teaching of Primary School Mathematics (CTPM) |
| Appreciation Course on Environment (ACE) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Social Sciences (SOSS) |
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| PhD in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies (MPhil/ PhD in Gandhian Studies) Integrated (DoPG PS) |
PhD in Psychology (PhD in Psychology) |
PhD in Public Administration (PhD in Public Admn) |
| PhD in History (PhD in History) |
PhD in Political Science (PhD in Political Sc) |
PhD in Economics (PHDEC) |
| PhD in Sociology (PhD in Sociology) |
PhD in Library & Information Science (PhD in Library & Information Sc) |
Masters in Anthropology (MAAN) |
| MA in Psychology (MAPC) |
||
| MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies (MA(GPS)) |
||
| PG Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PG DGPS) |
||
| PG Diploma in Mental Health (PG DMH) |
PG Diploma in Disaster Management (PG DDM) |
|
| PG Certificate in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PG CGPS) |
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| Certificate in Disaster Management (CDM) |
Certificate in Environmental Studies (CES) |
|
| MPhil in Economics (MPHILEC) |
Master of Philosophy in Sociology (MPHILSO) |
Master of Philosophy in Political Science (MPHILPS) |
| MPhil in Public Administration (MPHILPA) |
MPhil in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies (MPHILGDS) |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Social Work (SOSW) |
||
| PhD in Social Work (PHDSW) |
Master of Social Work (Counselling) (MSWC) |
|
| Diploma in HIV and Family Education (DAFE) |
Certificate in Tribal Studies (CTRBS) |
|
| Certificate in HIV and Family Education (CAFE) |
Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System (CSWCJS) |
Master of Philosophy in Social Work (MPHILSW) |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Tourism and Hospitality Service Management (SOTHSM) |
||
| PhD in Tourism and Hospitality (PhD in Tourism Studies) |
MSc (Hospitality Administration) (MHA) |
|
| Diploma in Tourism Studies (DTS) |
||
| Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS) |
- |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST) |
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| MA in Translation Studies (MATS) |
PG Diploma in Translation (PG DT) |
PG Certificate in Bangla-Hindi Translation (PG CBHT) |
| PG Certificate in Malayalam-Hindi Translation (PG CMHT) |
MPhil in Translation Studies (MPHILTT) |
- |
| IGNOU Courses at School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET) |
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| PhD in Vocational Education (PhD in Vocation Education) |
PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sales Management (PG DPSM) |
PG Diploma in Information Security (PG DIS) |
| Advanced Certificate in Information Security (ACISE) |
Diploma in BPO Finance & Accounting (DBPOFA ) |
Certificate in Communication and IT Skills (CCITSK) |
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Q: Is IGNOU good for BCA?
IGNOU - Is It Good for BCA?
Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Helpful teachers with knowledge of industry trends
* Flexible schedule allows students to balance work and studies
* Affordable fees and recognised degree
* Opportunities to learn new skills and technologies
* Good reputation among employers
Cons:
* Limited placement assistance and no direct placements
* Students must actively seek internships and job opportunities
* Curriculum may not be tailored to specific industries
* Limited infrastructure and resources in some study centers
Overall, IGNOU is a good option for BCA students looking for flexibility and affordability. While it may not offer direct placements, students who are proactive in seeking out internships and job opportunities can still benefit from the program. With helpful teachers and a recognised degree, IGNOU can provide students with a solid foundation for their careers.
Note: These points summarize the general consensus from various students and alumni, but individual experiences may vary.
Q: What is the special B.Ed course of BRAOU?
Apart from Dr Br Ambedkar Open University's B.Ed course, the University also offers a B.Ed (Special Education) course. BRAOU offers B.Ed (Special Education) course across three specialisations which can be chosen at the time of admission as per interest and seat availability. Unlike the regular B.Ed course, BRAOU Special B.Ed course is offered for a minimum duration of two-and-a-half years, and a maximum of five years.
Q: Is there B.Ed available at Ambedkar Open University?
Yes, Dr Br Ambedkar Open University offers B.Ed courses at the undergraduate level. The minimum and maximum duration to pursue the B.Ed programme at BRAOU Hyderabad is two years and four years, respectively. Aspirants need to appear for B.Ed Entrance Exam for admission. Candidates seeking admission to the BRAOU B.Ed course must visit the official website of the University to apply online.
