India's most popular universities for online learning

In a world driven by technological advancements and evolving educational paradigms, online education has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionising the way students pursue higher learning. With a plethora of universities now offering online degree programmes, aspiring students are presented with a unique opportunity to earn a prestigious degree without geographical constraints. To guide you through this digital education landscape, EducationWorld presents most popular universities in India that offer online degrees recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): The torchbearer of distance education in India, IGNOU continues to shine in the online learning domain. With a vast array of courses and flexible study options, IGNOU remains a favorite among students seeking quality online degrees. It is recognised as a Central University by UGC.
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning Institute (SCDL): Nurturing global professionals, SCDL’s online programmes are designed to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. The institute has made rapid strides in providing quality education to many, making it one of the most sought after distance learning institutes of India. It also partners with local, national, and international organisations to offer corporate programmes for working professionals. The institute is not approved by UGC but is recognised by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) for academic year 2023-2024.
Amity University Online: Amity’s online degrees blend academic rigour with cutting-edge technology. The university’s commitment to holistic student development is mirrored in its comprehensive online programmes spanning diverse disciplines. Recognised by the UGC, Amity’s online programmes offer the comfort and flexibility of online education as well as the credibility of a conventional on-campus degree.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE): Manipal’s online degrees are an extension of its renowned on-campus offerings. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty members and gain a competitive edge in their chosen fields. The university’s online degrees are accredited by the UGC, AICTE and World Education Services (WES).
School of Distance Learning, University of Delhi: A stalwart in Indian academia, DU extends its reach to the online sphere. Online learners can access DU’s esteemed faculty and resources while enjoying the flexibility of virtual classrooms.
Lovely Professional University (LPU): Empowering through E-learning, LPU’s online degrees are designed to empower learners with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning translates seamlessly to the digital platform. Lovely Professional University (LPU) is ranked among India’s top universities in various academic disciplines by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The varsity’s online degrees are recognised by UGC, and accredited by AICTE and WES. The university is also ranked among India’s top universities by the World University Rankings 2023.
Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education: SMU is very popular among students looking to pursue a degree in Management. All programmes of SMU-DE are duly recognised by the UGC and Distance Education Board (DEB) and are also highly affordable.
Institute of Management and Technology (IMT): Located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, IMT offers various management programmes. The IMT Centre for Distance Learning (CDL) is among the top-ranked distance learning institutes for Management studies and its distance learning programmes are recognised by UGC-DEB.
Pondicherry University DDE: Counted among India’s top public universities, Pondicherry University, also known as PU, is a central research university located in Kalapet, Pondicherry. It is ranked 1201-1400 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Pondicherry University’s Directorate of Distance Education offers distance/online learning programmes approved by AICTE-DEB.