Distance Education over the years has emerged as one of the favourite modes of education of the students who cannot pursue higher education through regular mode. The significant rise in student enrolment in Open Universities in India is the testimony to it. Open Universities in India aim to impart quality education as good as through regular courses.
Central Open Universities in India
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) stands in the First position among the Open Universities in India. The fact that it is the only Central Open University in India adds to its glamour. Established in 1985, it aims to enhance distance mode of education and promotes the standards in open learning. It follows a flexible pattern regarding methods and places of learning. IGNOU compromises on age & eligibility for enrolment and combination of courses.
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It focuses on development of women and backward sections of society and has established special study centres. It offers a wide variety of courses including Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Diploma, Certificate programmes etc. This Open University in India has adopted various methods of learning like teleconferencing, provision of audio video tapes and print materials, broadcast on educational TV channels etc.
State Open Universities (SOUs) in India
There are about 13 State Open Universities in India and are located in the states of Assam, Uttaranchal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. These Open Universities in India have opened plenty of study centres with various degree and Diploma courses throughout the respective states to cater to students who wish to choose distance mode. They provide Self Learning Materials in the form of hard copies and audio & video cassettes to students. Open Universities in India offer tutoring and counselling by subject experts on week- ends or holidays. Apart from these, there are also many Deemed and other Universities which offer distance education.