Top Distance Education Universities in Kolkata With Recognised Degrees

For tourists and common people, Kolkata is often called the city of joy, but for students and working professionals, it is a city of opportunities. There are many distance education universities in Kolkata with recognised degrees. From prestigiousNetaji Subhas Open Universityto Amity University or IGNOU, all are included in the list of affordable distance education courses available in Kolkata universities with flexible payment options. These universities have a flexible learning approach and good accessibility for a wider population. The fee for distance education courses in Kolkata generally ranges between INR 20,000 to 2,50,000. In this blog, we have compiled the list of distance education universities in Kolkata, their courses, average fee, and eligibility criteria.

Let’s dive into the top 5 distance education universities in Kolkata.

Top 5 Distance Education Universities in Kolkata With Recognised Degrees

Below is the list of distance education universities in Kolkata which are UGC-recognised and offer quality courses. Each of these universities caters to a variety of learners with different budgets and academic backgrounds. Let’s explore some of thebest distance education universities in Indiain detail:

Netaji Subhas Open University

It is a premier state open university in India, established in 1998. Netaji Subhas Open University is the largest distance learning institution in the state. Over the years, it has become the first choice for thousands of students seeking affordability and accessibility. The university has a huge network of study centres across the state to provide all sorts of facilities to remote learners. NSOU offers both distance and online education courses, which are recognised by UGC-DEB. You get advanced facilities like an OER repository, access to web TV, web radio, etc. The average fee forNSOU coursesranges between INR 10,400 - 80,000, depending upon the course you choose.

USPs of Netaji Subhas Open University:

• Well-recognised distance education degree
• Huge network of study centres
• A wide range of arts and sciences courses 
• Best suited for rural and suburban areas
• UGC-approved distance programmes
• Availability of multiple learning resources like e-books, library service, etc. 
• Access to SWAYAM online courses

Courses Offered by Netaji Subhas Open University:

• UG Courses: Bachelor of Arts (Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Zoology, Environmental Science)
• PG Courses: Master of Arts (Bengali, English, English Language Teaching, Environmental Science, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Zoology)
• Diploma Courses: English Language Teaching 
• Advance Diploma Programme: Journalism and Mass Communication, Public Relations and Advertising, English Language Teaching

Also Read:Top 9 Distance/Online MBA Colleges in West Bengal

ICFAI Kolkata

This prestigious university has campuses in many parts of the country and is renowned for high-quality education and industry-aligned courses.ICFAIis best known for management programmes, including BBA and MBA courses suitable for working professionals. The distance education department of the university offers flexible and affordable courses, allowing you to study at your own pace. The ICFAI admissions are held throughout the year for distance courses. The average fee for ICFAI distance courses lies between INR 68,000 to 82,000, depending upon the course type.

USPs of ICFAI Distance Education Courses:

• UGC-recognised courses 
• NAAC A++ graded university
• Focus on hands-on learning with practical-based assignments
• Convenient course duration
• A wide range of electives to customise your degree

Courses Offered:

• UG Courses:Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

• PG Courses:Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Amity University

Established in 2005,Amity Universityis a premier institution in India with several campuses across the country and some overseas as well. Although Amity offers online courses, they are as flexible as distance programmes. Amity has recognition from various national and international accreditation bodies, such as UGC-DEB, NAAC, WASC, etc. This university has a digitally advanced learning management system and its courses comprise live industry projects, gamified assignments, etc.  Depending upon the course type, the fee for the Amity University online course is between INR 90,000 to 3,00,000.

USPs for Amity Online:

• UGC-DEB entitled online degree programmes
• Next-gen learning experience 
• Free AI certification 
• Inclusive and flexible learning design 
• Interactive learning material with AI-powered features
• Complete career assistance to remote learners
• Availability of exclusive scholarships 

Courses Offered by Amity Online:

• UG Courses:BA, BBA, BCA, BCom, BCom (Hons)

• PG Courses:MBA, MA, MSc, MCA, MCom

• Certificate Courses:AI for Product Managers, Agentic AI and Autonomous Systems, AI in BFSI, AI for Business Leaders, AI for Marketing and Sales, AI in Healthcare, AI for HR & Talent Management, AI for Manufacturing, AI in Education, etc.

Related:Top Online BCA Courses in Kolkata

Rabindra Bharati University

Founded in 1962,Rabindra Bharati Universityis one of the oldest and prestigious universities in the region. Through its Centre for Distance and Online Education, the university aims to cater to the needs of those students who are otherwise unable to pursue regular education. Its distance education wing is specifically popular among students who wish to pursue PG degrees in humanities, fine arts and social sciences.

USPs of Rabindra Bharati University:

• UGC-recognised distance education courses 
• Rich heritage and legacy of quality education
• Cost-effective learning without compromising on quality
• Flexible and modern teaching pedagogy 

Distance Education Courses Offered by Rabindra Bharati University:

• MA in Bengali, Sanskrit, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, History, Education, English, Vocal Music, Rabindra Sangeet, Education, Vocal Music. 

IGNOU

Being one of the largest open universities in India, in terms of enrolments,IGNOUis the most popular choice of students. IGNOU has many regional and study centres across the country, which provide regular assistance to remote learners and even conduct personal contact classes. Compared to other institutions, the university has the most affordable fee structure. The average fee forIGNOU coursesranges between INR 3,000 to 1,50,000, depending upon the course you choose.

USPs of IGNOU:

• Well-recognised courses.
• Highly affordable and flexible learning method.
• Easily accessible study centres. 
• Dedicated placement cell for career support. 
• Multiple learning resources, like e-connect, Gyandhara, digital library, etc. 

Courses Offered by IGNOU:

• UG Courses:BA, BSc, BCA, BCom, BLIS, BBA

• PG Courses:MA, MSc, MCA, MBA, MCom, MLIS

• Diploma Courses:In different specialisations

• Short Certificate Courses:In different language, arts, and science fields

Affordable Distance Education Courses Available in Kolkata Universities

In Kolkata, there are not many recognised distance education universities. Most of them have an economical fee plan. Here is the list of affordable distance education universities in Kolkata

Eligibility for Best Online Distance Learning Programs Offered By Universities in Kolkata

Every distance education university in Kolkata follows certain eligibility requirements for admission. While these criteria may vary across institutions and programmes, the overall framework remains similar. Below is the eligibility criteria of distance education courses in India:

• For UG Courses: You should have completed class 12th from a recognised university in a relevant stream with a minimum of 40-50% marks, depending upon the institution. 
• For PG Courses: You must have passed a three-year bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 45% marks in most of the universities. 
• For Diploma Courses: Some diploma courses require 10+2 marks, whereas there are a few institutions which are eligible for class 10th students. 

How to apply for Distance Education Courses in Kolkata Universities?

The application procedure for distance education courses is simple and straightforward. Though the process may differ in every institution, it generally involves a few steps, including:

Step 1: Registration:On the official website of the university, register yourself as a new applicant.

Step 2: Application Form:Fill the online application form with personal and professional details.

Step 3: Document Upload:Upload the scanned copies of required documents like 10th & 12th marksheets, graduation certificate, ID proof, passport-size photograph, etc.

Step 4: Application Fee:Pay the registration or application fee, as described by the university and then submit the form.

Step 5: Confirmation:Once your application gets verified, pay the seat booking fee and confirm your application.

Summing Up

Kolkata has some of the most renowned distance education universities, which continue to empower lakhs of learners with affordable and quality academic structures. Whether you are looking for affordable courses or want to study at a traditional university, you have many options, like NSOU or IGNOU. Choosing the right university is definitely a tough choice. It is better to compare the shortlisted universities on various aspects like curriculum, fees, student support services and placement opportunities.