10 Top-Notch UGC Approved Universities Offering Online Courses
The technological advancement in our country has opened the gate for online courses. Online courses have made it easy for people to access education. Education now is not just limited to place and time but is accessible to all regardless of these. Online courses have given us the fleeting advantage of flexibility. Another thing that has made these online courses recognized is their being UGC-approved. UGC-approved online degree courses in India have made people more inclined toward these courses. Now-a-days, many online certification courses are available, helping aspirants learn at their convenience.

Some top universities in our country offer these online courses approved by UGC. Recently, IIT Madras has come forward to offer bachelor's and diploma degrees via online courses. This proves how India is stepping towards higher education, shackling the odds. Even UGC approved online degree courses in India are in high demand. Online and distance learning (ODL), which is UGC-approved, has opened a wide variety of career opportunities and learning scope at any age.
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List of UGC approved Universities for online courses in India
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1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU is one of the top universities offering UGC-approved certificate courses, bachelor's courses, diplomas, and master's courses. It is a national resource center. Study materials are available to everyone, regardless of whether they are students of the university. IGNOU's fee structure is very much lower compared to other universities offering online courses.
This is an UGC-approved online university in India that provides educational courses along with UGC-approved skill development courses such as the Certificate Programme in Library and Information Science. The university has facilities like Gyandhara for its online students, which is a radio program. Here teachers and students for discussion take up important topics. This university offers tons of online degree courses approved by the UGC in India.
Certificate in Tribal Studies
The Certificate in Tribal Studies is one of the most significant UGC-approved courses offered by IGNOU. After pursuing this course, you will be able to pursue a career as a tribal development officer in government departments and at NGOs, which is offered both as a 2-year diploma and as a 6-month short course to learners.
Duration: 6 months – 2 years
Fee - Rs. 1,000
Certificate Programme in Peace Studies and Conflict Management
This is one of the most popular UGC vocational courses of IGNOU, covering the management of conflicts and Gandhian philosophies to foster peace. It will give you an insight into the principles used by Mahatma Gandhi, such as truth and non-violence, among others.
Duration: 6 months - 2 years
Fee - Rs. 3,500
Certificate Programme in Library and Information Science
Started by the university to cater to the needs of rural libraries and train aspirants in library management, this certification program prepares library science and information professionals.
Duration - 6 months to 2 years
Fee - Rs. 2,000
Certificate in Information Technology
This UGC recognised online degree is perfect for aspirants willing to learn more about software, computer hardware, networking, and multimedia industries and how it affects business processes.
Duration - 6 months to 2 years
Fee - Rs. 6,000
Certificate in the Arabic Language
This course will acquaint you with the necessary skills of reading, writing, and speaking Arabic. One can have a career as a translator after pursuing this course.
Duration - 6 months to 2 years
Fee - Rs. 1,500
Certificate in the Russian Language
This course will acquaint you with the necessary skills of reading, writing, and speaking the Russian language. One can have a career as a translator after pursuing this course. It comes with a plethora of audio-visual material to help you in your learning.
Duration - 6 months to 2 years
Fee - Rs. 2500
Also read: Best Online Course Platforms Every Learner Should Consider Now
2. IIT Madras
This institute of national importance, known as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, has recently opened its portal for online courses. These UGC-approved online courses include a Diploma in Data Science, Diploma in Programming, and a BSc Degree in Programming and Data Science. The Institute is recognized for its excellence in basic and applied research, technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial consultancy. It is expected that many other IITs will come forward to join this initiative of online courses. The Institute offers a plethora of online UGC approved courses in India.
Diploma in Data Science
One of the two UGC-approved distance education courses offered by IIT Madras, it acquaints you with the basics of analyzing, structuring, and interpreting data sets.
Duration - self-paced
Fee - Rs. 55,000
Diploma in Programming
Another of the two immensely popular UGC-approved online certificate courses, this one gives you foundational knowledge of building scalable web applications through a systematic process.
Duration - self-paced
Fee - Rs. 55,000
BSc Degree in Programming and Data Science
This is one of the UGC recognized online courses related to data programming and data science. This online degree approved by UGC equires you to have completed eight foundational levels along with 12 diploma levels.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 1, 00, 000
3. Amity University Noida
This private research university has become one of the top universities offering UGC-approved online master's degree courses in India. It has a long history in this field with online courses such as the Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Brand Management; Post Graduate Diploma in HR Management, the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management, and many other knowledge-providing courses. This UGC approved university is one of the top 200 universities in Asia according to the U.S. and U.K. rankings. Here are some of the prominent UGC-approved online PG courses offered by the university.
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting
This distance-learning master’s program by Amity University can be pursued alongside the CPA course.
Duration - 1 year
Fee - Rs. 30,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Accounting
A 1-year PG diploma in finance and accounting from Amity University is going to cover the basic aspects through a combination of theory and practical knowledge.
Duration - 1 year
Fee - Rs. 1, 20,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Retail Management
Very few people pursue this course, so demand is high. It is a great field where you can build your career. You can become a retail manager, inventory manager, or merchandise analyst after pursuing this course.
Duration - 1 year
Fee - Rs. 1, 20,000
Post Graduate Diploma in NGO Management
This unique course offered by Amity University is for people interested in social work who want to start their own NGO and understand their work.
Duration - 1 year
Fee - Rs. 1, 20,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management
Marketing and sales professionals are one of the most highly demanded job profiles in the business and industrial sectors. This postgraduate UGC online certificate helps learners develop industry-grade skills.
Duration - 1 year.
Fee - Rs. 1, 65,000
Also read: Online Marketing Courses & Certifications
Bachelor of Commerce ( Hindi Medium)
If you have done commerce studies in the 12th grade through a Hindi-medium school, this course can be preferred for higher studies.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 30,000
Bachelor of Arts( Hindi Medium)
This course is for students who have Hindi as their education language and want to pursue higher studies.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 30,000
Bachelor of Arts( Journalism and Mass Communication)
People interested in journalism and how the media works can pursue this course. The university offers master's programs in the same field.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 30,000
Also read: Online Journalism Courses & Certifications
Master of Commerce ( Financial Management)
If you have completed your bachelor's degree, have a command of commerce, and are interested in the management of finances, you can pursue this course.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 1, 25,000
Also read: Online Commerce Courses & Certifications
Master of Arts (Journalism and Mass Communication)
If you have a Bachelor of Arts in this field and already have a job, this course can be done part-time for better job opportunities.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 1, 65,000
Also read: Online Sales And Marketing Management Courses & Certifications
4. JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research
This is one of those newcomers to the list of UGC-approved universities for online courses. Their online courses provide flexibility for students, including a P.G. Diploma in Bioinformatics and MBA in Hospital Administration. It is an excellent opportunity for graduates and working professionals to increase their qualifications. The Institute offers a myriad of UGC-approved online MBA courses in India.
MBA in Hospital Administration
This is a unique course offered by JSS under the lists of their online classes. MBA in Hospital Administration has recently become one of the most in-demand courses in India.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 2, 00,000
P.G. Diploma in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the field that combines computer science, biology, information engineering, statistics, and mathematics for analyzing biological data.
Duration - 2 years
Fee - Rs. 40,000
Also read:
5. Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth University in Pune was established under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. The university is also MHRD-approved. The university was ranked 75 overall by NIRF 2020. The university offers some top courses such as BBA, MDS, MBA, MBBS, and B.Tech. This college has various departments: the Homeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
The University offers the following UGC online courses:
Certificate Program in Digital Marketing
If you want to pursue a career in digital marketing, this is where you can start your career. This certification program introduces learners to the basics as well as advanced concepts associated with digital marketing.
Duration - self-paced
Fee - Rs. 28,000
Certificate Program in Hospital and Healthcare Management
If you are interested in medicine and want to understand the workings of hospitals and how they are managed, this course is an ideal pick for such aspirants.
Duration - self-paced
Fee - Rs. 28,000
6. Bharti Vidyapeeth
This is one of the oldest UGC-approved universities for online courses. Established in 1964 by Patangrao Kadam, an Indian politician and educationist, it is a deemed university. The University runs more than 78 schools and 60 institutions. Bharti Vidyapeeth has 16000+ staff and 23000+ students. It was ranked 98 overall in 2020 by the NIRF. Bharti Vidyapeeth offers the following courses under the umbrella of online courses.
Master of Business Administration
The UGC-approved distance MBA by Bhartiya Vidyapeeth will give a platform to aspiring management and entrepreneurial candidates. A candidate with at least 50% marks in the undergraduate degree program. It is a 2-year distance-learning postgraduate management degree.
Duration - 2 years
Fee- Rs. 35,000
Popular Specializations
Bachelor of Business Administration
For students willing to pursue a business administration and management career after their 10+2, this is the perfect distance learning course to pursue from Vidyapeeth. The eligibility criteria are 50% marks in 10+2 from any recognized board, and the program is for 3 years.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 45,500
Also read: UGC Approved Online Degree Courses – List of Institutes, Eligibility, Fees And Duration
7. Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology, and Research Academy
The Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology, and Research Academy is also known as SASTRA. A deemed university is located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The university offers degrees in arts, law, science, education, management, and engineering. The university first started as the Shanmugha College of Engineering in 1984. It was renamed in 2001. The university has a world record: Tata Consultancy Services recruited 1,755 students from SASTRA. The college was ranked 48 overall by the NIRF in 2020.
The University offers the following courses:
Bachelor of Computer Applications
A person interested in software and design or programming can pursue these courses. After this, for higher education, they can pursue an MCA, i.e., a Master of Computer Applications.
Duration - 3 years
Fee - Rs. 1, 14,920
Diploma in Sanskrit
This is an art program offered by SASTRA. A person with an interest in Sanskrit can pursue this course, and after that, they can opt for a master's or PhD in Sanskrit Studies.
Duration - 3 years
Fee- Rs. 13,760
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8. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Telangana
Also known sometimes as Telangana University, this distance education university offers UGC-approved online certificate courses in areas such as food and nutrition, management, and community development, among others. The institution is especially known for providing free reading and course material to students.
Certificate Programme in NGO Management
One of the main UGC short-term courses offered by BRAOU, this program is ideal for candidates who aim to establish a rewarding and satisfactory career in social work, NGO management, and sustainable development.
Duration - 6 months
Fee - Rs. 1,500
Also read: Online Ngo Management Courses & Certifications
Certificate Programme in Food and Nutrition
For those interested in pursuing a career in health, food science, and the basics of nutrition, this is an apt course to pursue.
Duration - 6 months
Fee - Rs. 1,500
Also Read - Top Medical colleges in India
9. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal (Deemed to be University)
Based in the city of Manipal in Karnataka, the MAHE is emerging as one of the best UGC-approved universities offering online courses. They are becoming a popular choice for many aspirants.
Online MBA
The online MBA program at the institute is one of the most competitive and highly demanded management courses in India currently. It prepares students for managerial roles in corporate firms through a hands-on approach to pedagogy.
Duration - 2 years
Fees - Rs. 1,50,000
Also Read
10. Yashwantrao C. Maharashtra Open University
One of the relatively lesser-known UGC-approved universities for online courses, this institute was established in July 1989 under the power of the Maharashtra State Legislature. Being the fifth open university in the country, the institute can now operate anywhere across the globe. The university has been recognized under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956. The institute offers several innovative online programs.
Conclusion
In this rush hour of life, attending college from 9 to 5 has become a luxury for many. Many do not have the time or the money to do so. These UGC-approved online degree courses in India are offered by different universities (depending on their private or public status).
So you have a wide array to choose from based on your budget and time preference. Without a doubt, you can be assured that these well-recognized UGC-approved online certificate courses can push your career to new frontiers.
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - 10 Top-Notch UGC Approved Universities Offering Online Courses
Question: Which online degree is acceptable?
Answer:
Universities are required to take registration or permissions from UGC-DEB while offering any online and distant learning programme.
Question: What is the medium of instruction for these ugc approved online certificate courses?
Answer:
The primary medium of instruction is English, but other mediums are also provided as per the program.
Question: Are there other UGC Approved Universities Offering Online Courses?
Answer:
No, there might be others. According to the government's list, these courses were from the best institutes recently in 2019.
Question: How do institutes conduct online classes?
Answer:
The Institutes have a Learning Management System (LMS) and have specific video lectures that students can go through whenever they are free.
Question: Are IGNOU programs’ fees for a full year?
Answer:
No, the cost of studying a certain subject varies widely. IGNOU students have the option of making payments over time, beginning with a prorated payment of the first year's tuition before continuing to the second.
Question: What is MHRD?
Answer:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) was formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). There are two divisions under MHRD's jurisdiction.
Question: What is NIRF Ranking based on?
Answer:
The methodology bases its ranking on research work, placements, outreach programs, and teaching standards. Through this process you get a clear picture of UGC Approved Universities Offering Online Courses, thus making your choice easier.
Question: What is NIRF?
Answer:
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was developed by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development to rank India's higher education institutions (HEIs). The NIRF ranking includes institutes from various categories, such as Pharmacy, Management, Medical, Dental, Universities, Engineering, College, Law, and others.
Question: What is a deemed-to-be university?
Answer:
An institution deemed to be a university is a higher education institution as declared by the Government on the advice of the Commission pursuant to Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act of 1956.
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