UGC Approved Universities List for
Distance Education Courses 2025
If you’re planning to study online in 2025, it’s important to choose a university that is approved by UGC (University Grants Commission) and DEB (Distance Education Bureau). These universities are allowed to offer distance education courses like MBA, MCA, MCom, MA BA, BBA, BCA and many more.
This verified list helps students find safe and trusted universities for online learning in India.
What is UGC for Distance Universities in India?
Distance education has become one of the most popular modes of learning in India, especially among working professionals, students in remote areas, and individuals who prefer flexibility in their studies. However, it’s important to ensure that the university you choose for your distance course is recognized and approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). We will explain what UGC is, its role in higher education, and provide a list of UGC-approved distance education universities for 2025.
If you’re planning to study through distance education in 2025, it’s important to choose a university that is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Distance Education Bureau (DEB). These approved universities are allowed to offer distance learning degree programs across India.
| S.No | University Name | State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acharya Nagarjuna University | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 2 | Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 3 | Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | Government |
| 4 | Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University | Guwahati, Assam | Government |
| 5 | Tezpur University | Tezpur, Assam | Government |
| 6 | Dibrugarh University | Dibrugarh, Assam | Government |
| 7 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | Government |
| 8 | Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | Private (Deemed) |
| 9 | University of Delhi | Delhi | Government |
| 10 | Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | Government |
| 11 | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Government |
| 12 | Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology | Hisar, Haryana | Government |
| 13 | Maharshi Dayanand University | Rohtak, Haryana | Government |
| 14 | Himachal Pradesh University | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | Government |
| 15 | University of Kashmir | Jammu & Kashmir | Government |
| 16 | Jain University | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Private (Deemed) |
| 17 | Karnataka State Open University | Mysuru, Karnataka | Government |
| 18 | Calicut University | Kerala | Government |
| 19 | Kerala University | Kerala | Government |
| 20 | Jiwaji University | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | Government |
| 21 | Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 22 | Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalayam, Tirupati | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 23 | Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | Government |
| 24 | Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Guwahati | Assam | Government |
| 25 | Tezpur University, Tezpur | Assam | Government |
| 26 | Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh | Assam | Government |
| 27 | Panjab University, Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Government |
| 28 | Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | Deemed (Private) |
| 29 | University of Delhi | Delhi | Government |
| 30 | Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | Government |
| 31 | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Government |
| 32 | Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar | Haryana | Government |
| 33 | Maharshi Dayanand University | Haryana | Government |
| 34 | Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | Government |
| 35 | University of Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir | Government |
| 36 | Jain University, Bengaluru | Karnataka | Deemed (Private) |
| 37 | Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru | Karnataka | Government |
| 38 | Calicut University | Kerala | Government |
| 39 | Kerala University | Kerala | Government |
| 40 | Jiwaji University, Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | Government |
| 41 | MP Bhoj (Open) University, Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Government |
| 42 | Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh | Government |
| 43 | Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha | Maharashtra | Government |
| 44 | Smt Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University | Maharashtra | Government |
| 45 | Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik | Maharashtra | Government |
| 46 | University of Mumbai | Maharashtra | Government |
| 47 | Odisha State Open University, Sambalpur | Odisha | Government |
| 48 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry | Government |
| 49 | Chandigarh University | Punjab | Private |
| 50 | Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University | Punjab | Government |
| 51 | Osmania University | Telangana | Government |
| 52 | Mangalayatan University | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 53 | Gandhi Institute Of Technology And Management (GITAM) | Andhra Pradesh | Private |
| 54 | SRM Institute Of Science And Technology | Tamil Nadu | Private |
| 55 | Yogi Vemana University | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 56 | National Sanskrit University | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 57 | Gauhati University | Assam | Government |
| 58 | Shoolini University | Himachal Pradesh | Private |
| 59 | Sreenarayanaguru Open University | Kerala | Government |
| 60 | Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | Madhya Pradesh | Government |
| 61 | Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University | Maharashtra | Government |
| 62 | International Institute for Population Sciences | Maharashtra | Government |
| 63 | Jagannath University | Rajasthan | Private |
| 64 | Vivekananda Global University | Rajasthan | Private |
| 65 | Annamalai University | Tamil Nadu | Government (State Public University) |
| 66 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Private |
| 67 | Mother Teresa Women’s University | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 68 | Vel’s Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) | Tamil Nadu | Private |
| 69 | Academy of Maritime Education and Training | Tamil Nadu | Private |
| 70 | Bharathiar University | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 71 | Amity University | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 72 | Integral University | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 73 | Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 74 | Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 75 | University of North Bengal | West Bengal | Government |
| 76 | University of Burdwan | West Bengal | Government |
| 77 | Jain Vishva Bharati Institute | Rajasthan | Government (Deemed-to-be under Religious Minority) |
| 78 | Parul University | Gujarat | Private |
| 79 | Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Government (Central University) |
| 80 | Choudhary Charan Singh University | Uttar Pradesh | Government |
| 81 | Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University | Uttar Pradesh | Government |
| 82 | Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 83 | Nalanda Open University | Bihar | Government |
| 84 | Dr. C. V. Raman University | Chhattisgarh | Private |
| 85 | Gokul Global University | Gujarat | Private |
| 86 | University of Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | Government |
| 87 | Jharkhand State Open University | Jharkhand | Government |
| 88 | Arka Jain University | Jharkhand | Private |
| 89 | Utkal University | Odisha | Government |
| 90 | Odisha State Open University | Odisha | Government |
| 91 | Sri Sri University | Odisha | Private |
| 92 | Jaipur National University | Rajasthan | Private |
| 93 | Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Vishwa Mahavidyalaya | Tamil Nadu | Private (Deemed-to-be University) |
| 94 | Periyar University | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 95 | Shri Venkateswara University, Tirupati | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 96 | Central University of Haryana | Haryana | Government (Central University) |
| 97 | Fakir Mohan University | Odisha | Government |
| 98 | Desh Bhagat University | Punjab | Private |
| 99 | Punjabi University, Patiala | Punjab | Private |
| 100 | Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | Punjab | Government |
| 101 | Suresh Gyan Vihar University | Punjab | Private |
| 102 | Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota | Rajasthan | Private |
| 103 | Anna University, Chennai | Rajasthan | Government |
| 104 | B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 105 | Bharathidasan University | Tamil Nadu | Deemed (Private) |
| 106 | Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 107 | Manonmaniam Sundaranar University | Tamil Nadu | Deemed (Private) |
| 108 | Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 109 | University of Madras, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 110 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad | Tamil Nadu | Government |
| 111 | ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education | Telangana | Government |
| 112 | Kakatiya University, Warangal | Telangana | Deemed (Private) |
| 113 | Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad | Telangana | Government |
| 114 | Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | Telangana | Government |
| 115 | U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh | Private |
| 116 | Graphic Era University, Dehradun | Uttar Pradesh | Government |
| 117 | Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani | Uttarakhand | Deemed (Private) |
| 118 | Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata | Uttarakhand | Government |
| 119 | Rabindra Bharati University | West Bengal | Government |
| 120 | University of Kalyani | West Bengal | Government |
| 121 | Andhra University | West Bengal | Government |
| 122 | Kurukshetra University | Andhra Pradesh | Government |
| 123 | Bharati Vidyapeeth University | Haryana | Government |
| 124 | Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research | Maharashtra | Deemed (Private) |
| 125 | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Maharashtra | Deemed (Private) |
| 126 | Shivaji University | Maharashtra | Government |
| 127 | Madurai Kamaraj University | Maharashtra | Government |
| 128 | Alagappa University | Tamil Nadu | Government |
What is UGC?
UGC, or the University Grants Commission, is a statutory body set up by the Indian government in 1956 under the Ministry of Education. Its primary responsibility is to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of higher education in India. UGC is the central body that recognizes universities in India and provides them with the authority to award degrees. Without UGC recognition, any degree offered by a university may not be valid for government jobs or higher studies.
Over time, UGC has introduced various frameworks and bodies to regulate different aspects of education, including distance learning. In 2018, UGC merged with the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), which is now responsible for granting recognition to universities offering online and distance learning (ODL) programs.
Why UGC Approval is Important for Distance Education?
Distance education is a convenient and flexible mode of learning, but the value of your degree depends largely on whether the course and institution are recognized by UGC-DEB. Here’s why UGC approval is important
- Legality of the Degree: Only degrees awarded by UGC-approved institutions are legally valid in India.
- Eligibility for Jobs: Most government and private sector employers accept degrees only from UGC-recognized institutions.
- Higher Education: If you plan to pursue further studies, UGC-approved degrees are required for admission into postgraduate or doctoral programs.
- Quality Assurance: UGC ensures that universities maintain educational quality, curriculum standards, and student support systems.
Before enrolling in any distance or online course, it is always recommended to verify whether the university is listed by UGC-DEB for the academic year.
Why Choose UGC-DEB Approved Distance Universities?
- Your degree is 100% completely valid for private and government jobs
- Recognized for higher studies in India and abroad
- Courses follow quality standards set by UGC-DEB
- Some are also NAAC accredited and have top NIRF rankings
Programs Offered by UGC Approved Distance Universities
The UGC-approved universities offer a wide range of programs under the following categories:
- Undergraduate (UG): BA, B.Com, BBA, BCA, B.Sc., etc.
- Postgraduate (PG): MA, M.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Sc., etc.
- Diploma & Certificate Courses: Journalism, Digital Marketing, Data Science, Yoga, etc.
These programs are delivered using a combination of printed materials, video lectures, online platforms, and personal contact programs (PCPs). Many universities now offer online exams and digital certification for added convenience.
UGC Approved Distance Universities Matters for Every Student
Choosing a UGC-approved university ensures that your education is recognized, valuable, and opens doors for future career and academic growth. These top distance education universities in India present a diverse selection of programs and equip students with essential tools for learning, such as self-learning materials, video lectures, and access to online platforms.
They also offer support services like academic counselling, job placement assistance, and digital library access, making the learning experience smooth, flexible, and enriching. If you’re looking for a legitimate and career-boosting distance education opportunity in 2025, always choose a UGC-DEB recognized institution.