UGC Approved Universities in Bengaluru for Distance Education 2026
Distance education and distance learning courses have become very popular in Bengaluru — India’s tech and education hub — especially among working professionals and students who want flexible study options with recognised degrees. To ensure your qualification is valid for government jobs, higher education, promotions, and competitive exams, it’s crucial that your university and course are UGC and Distance Education Bureau (DEB) approved.
Bengaluru offers a great ecosystem of universities providing flexible distance education and online learning programs, often with reasonable distance education course fees and digital study support.
Why Choose Distance Learning in Bengaluru?
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace via distance and online modes.
- Affordable fees: Most programs are far lower in distance education course fees than regular campus fees.
- Recognised qualification: UGC‑DEB approval ensures your degree is valid for jobs and higher studies.
- Varied programs: From UG to PG, diplomas, and certificates in arts, commerce, management, science, and more.
- No geographical restriction: Study from anywhere while accessing learning resources online.
Explore Other City and States UGC-DEB Approved Distance Education Universities in India
- Distance Education Universities In Jaipur
- Distance Education Universities In Delhi
- Distance Education Universities In Pune
- Distance Education Universities In Ahmedbad
- Distance Education Universities In Gujarat
- Distance Education Universities In Bengaluru
- Distance Education Universities In Tamil Nadu
- Distance Education Universities In Maharashtra
Top 10 UGC Approved Universities for Distance Education in Bengaluru
1. Bangalore University – Directorate of Correspondence Courses & Distance Education
Established: 1964
Distance Education Mode: Open & Distance Learning + Online options
UGC Approval: UGC‑DEB approved for distance/online courses (listed on official portal)
Courses Offered:
- UG: BA, BCom
- PG: MA, MCom, MSc
- Certificates & Diploma Courses
Distance Education Course Fees: Moderate and budget‑friendly (varies by program)
Official Website: https://bangaloreuniversity.ac.in/
Bangalore University is one of the most trusted names in Bengaluru for distance education. Its Directorate of Correspondence Courses & Distance Education offers flexible distance learning courses in arts, commerce, and science streams, with study materials and online support suited for working professionals and students who prefer a self‑paced academic journey.
Highlights:
Recognised by UGC/DEB with official distance programs
Flexible study schedule and exam options
Good value for distance education course fees
2. Jain (Deemed‑to‑be) University – Center for Distance & Online Education
Established: 1990
Type: Deemed University
Distance Mode: ODL + Online learning
UGC Approval: Appears on DEB approved list for distance programs
Courses Offered:
- UG: BBA, BCom, BCA, BA
- PG: MBA, MCom, MSc, MA
- Certificates & Skill Diplomas
Distance Education Course Fees: Mid‑range (depends on specialization)
Official Website: https://www.jainuniversity.ac.in/
Jain University in Bengaluru offers a variety of distance learning courses blending academic and professional streams. It is a good choice for aspirants who want credible management, commerce, or humanities degrees through flexible distance and online modes.
Highlights:
Professional focus on management and business
Flexible online study with resources available digitally
Recognised UGC‑DEB degrees
3. Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) – Mysuru (Bengaluru Access Points)
Established: 1996
Type: State Open University
UGC Approval: UGC‑DEB recognition for ODL programs (statewide)
Courses Offered:
- UG & PG programs across arts, commerce, science, IT, management
- Certificates & Diploma options
Distance Education Course Fees: Usually affordable
Official Website: https://www.ksoumysuru.ac.in/
Although based in Mysuru, KSOU has study centers and significant student access from Bengaluru, making it effectively a key choice for distance learners in the region. It offers broad distance learning courses that are UGC recognised and widely accepted for further study and employment.
Highlights:
One of the main open universities serving Bengaluru learners
Wide choice of programs across multiple disciplines
Flexible study structure
4. IGNOU – Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Centre Bengaluru
Established: 1985 (national)
Distance Mode: ODL & online programs
UGC Approval: Nationally approved by UGC‑DEB
Courses Offered:
- UG: BA, BCom, BSc
- PG: MA, MCom, MBA
- Diploma & Certificate Courses
Distance Education Course Fees: Very affordable (~₹10,000 to mid‑range)
Official Website: https://www.ignou.ac.in/
IGNOU is India’s largest open university with a strong regional presence in Bengaluru. It offers flexible distance and online learning courses across a wide range of subjects and is known for low distance education course fees, extensive study material, and national recognition.
Highlights:
Nationwide recognition and acceptance
Extensive range of UG/PG and professional programs
Very affordable fees
5. University of Mysore – Directorate of Distance Education (Access in Bengaluru)
Established: 1916
Distance Mode: ODL + online options
UGC Approval: Recognised distance programs
Courses Offered:
- UG and PG in arts, science, and commerce
- Certification and diploma programs
Distance Education Course Fees: Moderate
Official Website: https://www.uni-mysore.ac.in/
University of Mysore’s distance education division offers recognised degree and certificate programs that Bengaluru students can access through study centres or online. These programs focus on liberal arts, sciences, and commerce.
Highlights:
Long‑standing academic reputation
Recognised distance and correspondence programs
Flexible learning options
6. Yenepoya University – Distance & Online Education
Established: 2008
Mode: ODL + online learning
UGC Approval: Offered UGC‑DEB recognised programs with Bengaluru access (e.g., BCom)
Courses Offered:
- UG: BCom (specialisations available)
- PG/Skill certifications
Distance Education Course Fees: Mid‑range (~₹70,000 for BCom approx) Shiksha
Official Website: https://www.yenepoya.edu.in/
Yenepoya University’s Centre for Distance & Online Education focuses on quality professional education that’s accessible from Bengaluru. Its UGC‑approved programs combine flexibility with industry‑oriented course design.
Highlights:
NAAC‑accredited and UGC‑DEB recognised
Professional degree options suitable for working learners
Specialisations in commerce
7. Amity University – Online/Distance Programs (Bengaluru Presence)
Mode: Online and hybrid distance learning
UGC Approval: Recognised under UGC/DEB for selected programs (verify current offerings)
Courses Offered: Management, IT, business, analytics
Distance Education Course Fees: Higher range for professional courses
Official Website: https://www.amity.edu/
Amity University offers flexible online programs that are UGC recognised and suitable for career‑focused students. While primarily online, many of these programs are accessible for learners in Bengaluru.
Highlights:
Career‑oriented online learning
Recognised UGC degrees
Advanced digital platforms
8. Manipal University – Online Distance Programs (via Bengaluru Outreach)
Mode: Online/Hybrid
UGC Approval: Approved for online programs (verify current DEB status)
Courses Offered: Commerce, business, science fields
Distance Education Course Fees: Mid to high range
Official Website: https://manipal.edu/
Manipal University’s online offerings can be accessed from Bengaluru and combine academic strength with professional relevance — ideal for learners seeking flexible yet recognised programs.
Highlights:
Strong online learning infrastructure
UGC‑approved programs
Industry‑ready curricula
9. Suresh Gyan Vihar University – Online/Distance Programs (Bengaluru Accessibility)
Mode: Online/ODL
UGC Approval: Recognised for specific programs per DEB lists
Courses Offered: BBA, BCom, MBA, etc.
Distance Education Course Fees: Mid‑range
Official Website: https://www.sgvuniversity.com/
Suresh Gyan Vihar University offers distance learning courses with a focus on management, business skills, and professional development. Many of its programs can be pursued online or through accessible study resources for Bangalore students.
Highlights:
Recognised courses with professional focus
Flexible study patterns
Career‑aligned programs
10. Other Bangalore‑Accessible Options (Linked with DEB Approvals)
Bangalore learners can also access distance education through regional centres or outreach programs of certain universities like:
- Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) centres
- IGNOU regional centre programmes
- Recognised online distance programs from national universities accepting learners from Bengaluru.
How to Choose the Right Distance Learning Program in Bengaluru
Verify UGC‑DEB Approval: Always check the official UGC Distance Education Bureau list for the academic year before enrolling.
Check Course Recognition: Degrees should be valid for government jobs, PSC exams, and higher education.
Compare Distance Education Course Fees: Fee structures vary widely; compare total cost including study material and exam charges.
Mode of Delivery: Decide between ODL and online learning based on your lifestyle.
Support Services: Look for digital libraries, online portals, and student support.
Conclusion
Bengaluru offers a variety of UGC approved universities for distance education with flexible distance learning courses and scalable distance education course fees. From established names like Bangalore University and IGNOU to professional-focused institutions like Jain University and Yenepoya University, learners living in or near Bangalore have access to recognised and flexible higher education paths. Always confirm the latest UGC‑DEB recognition status before applying to ensure your degree is valid and valuable.
UGC Approved Distance Education Universities in Bengaluru FAQs
Q1. Which are the main UGC-approved distance education universities in Bengaluru?
Some of the leading UGC-DEB approved distance and online learning universities in and around Bengaluru include Jain University (Online & Distance), Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), IGNOU Regional Centre Bengaluru, University of Mysore – Directorate of Online & Distance Education, and many more institutions offering recognised ODL and online programmes.
Q2. Are distance degrees from Bengaluru universities valid for jobs?
Yes. Distance degrees from UGC-DEB approved universities in Bengaluru are valid for government jobs, private jobs, competitive exams, and higher studies, provided the specific course is approved for the current academic session.
Q3. What types of courses can students pursue through distance education in Bengaluru?
Students can study BA, BCom, BBA, MA, MCom, MBA, MCA, diploma programmes, and various certificate courses. Each university offers its own set of approved courses.
Q4. How can I check whether a Bengaluru distance programme is UGC approved?
You can verify approval by checking the latest UGC-DEB list on the official UGC website. Only universities and specific programmes listed under the Online/ODL category for the academic year are valid.
Q5. Is distance education a good option for working professionals in Bengaluru?
Yes. Distance and online learning options in Bengaluru are designed for flexibility, making it easier for working professionals to study through digital materials and attend exams as per the university schedule.
