Universities offering distance learning courses in India- Maharashtra

Hi Friends,
This is the first part in the series. After seeing so much scam and wrongdoings of the private universities like CMJ, MGU, EIILM, Jaipur National, Sikkim Manipal University and non university institutes like SCDL, Welingkar, NMIMS, I felt I should write about the state/ central and approved universities offering distance learning courses in India under different series. This is the first series of the post about distance learning institutes in Maharashtra. It provides information on name of the institutes, type of the institute- central university, state university or deemed university, courses on offer, whether distance / correspondence mode (with study material) or in external mode (no study materials), exam centres available and usual time of admission. In case if you have any query, please revert:

1. Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik

Approved by DEC: Yes, all programmes

Type: State Government University

Admission open: December to June for different programmes

NAAC category: Not applicable

Those who have not studied upto 12th, can read and write can take admission in BA/ b.Com after completing BPP (Entrance Exam)

Introduction: The university was established on 1^st July, 1989 through Act XX of 1989 of the Maharashtra State Legislature, justly named after Yashwantrao Chavan, Maharashtra’s great political leader and builder of modern Maharashtra. It is one of the best open university in the country and recently, one of its student Kaustubh Divegaonkar came first in the state in Civil Services Exam conducted by UPSC. It proves that open and distance learning institutes are not bad in quality. Yes, some of the university's centre like R V Pawar High school and Jr. college, Kmatghar, Bhiwandi Thane are involved in the malpractices like helping to copy in the exam and all but this means not that the university itself is bad. 
It offers more than 100 innovative courses including certificate, Diploma to Ph.D.

Study centre: All over Maharashtra, students can give exam at any of these centres.
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2. Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University

Type: Private deemed university by a politician Patangrao Kadam. 

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visit the campus of the university and inspect

NAAC category: A

It is not so good university and primarily focussed on selling admission seat (not the degree). It has good name in the market too but not for all courses.

All courses are approved by DEC: Yes, till they visit and complete inspection.

Courses offered: 

B.A., B.Com, B.Lib. Sc., MA (English), MA (Economics), MA (Sociology), Certificate in French, Certificate in German, Advance Certificate in French, Advance Certificate in German, Diploma in French, Diploma in German, BBA, BCA, MBA (Duration: 3 years), MBA (IT- Duration : 3 years), Executive MBA (2 years), MCA, PGDBM, PGDCA, Diploma in Marketing Management, Diploma in Financial Management, Diploma in Human Resources Management, Diploma in Retail Management, Diploma in international Business Management, Diploma in Taxation law. Diploma in Labour Law, Diploma in Intellectual Property Law (for any graduate)

Centre: Pune, Navi Mumbai, Delhi, Kolhapur, KArad, Sangli and Solapur

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3. D Y Patil Deemed University, Pune

Type: Private deemed university 

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till 2013-14 only.

NAAC Category: A

Dr. D Y Patil is another private deemed university started by a politician and it is also involve in higher commercialisation of education and selling of degree seats purely meant for business. Still it is a known.university and offers specialised courses in medicine

DEC approved courses:

• Advanced Certificate in Hospital 
• Advanced Certificate Administration & Health Management, 
• Advanced Certificate Maternal & Child Health, Implantology, 
• Advanced Certificate Restorative Dentistry

● Certificate Course in Endodontics, PostEndodontics, Business Administration 

● Diploma in Business Administration (DBA)

● Post Graduate Diploma in Business 

Administration 

● Advanced PG Diploma in Business 

Administration 

● Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Study Centre and exam centre: Pune only

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4. International Institute of Population Studies (IIPS)

Type: Private deemed university 

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till 2013-14 only.

Started in 1956 under the joint sponsorship of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India and the United Nations, it has established itself as the premier Institute for training and research in Population Studies for developing countries in the Asia and Pacific region. IIPS holds a unique position among all the regional centres, in that it was the first such centre to be started, and serves a much larger population than that served by any of the other regional centres. The Institute is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is one of the most reputed university and in line with TISS and TIFR.

DEC approved courses:

Master of Population Studies (MPS) (Distance Learning)

Diploma in Population Studies (DPS) (Distance Learning)

These courses are good for those who wants to pursue higher education in population studies and career in the field of development, planning and social work. 

Study Centre and exam centre: Mumbai  only

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5. Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha Nagpur

Type: Central University under ministry of HRD, Government of India

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

It came into existence through an Act of Parliament which received the assent of the President on January 08, 1997 and was published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on the same date. This is an act to establish and incorporate a teaching University for the promotion and development of Hindi language and literature, through teaching and research, with a view to enabling Hindi to achieve greater functional efficiency and recognition as a major international language and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It offers distance learning courses in Hindi medium only, even MBA in Hindi medium. There are hardly any institute offering management courses in Hindi or any other medium, so those who wants to acquire business management degree and skill in Hindi, it is a boon. It is one of the most reputed institute in India.

Courses offered- All courses in Hindi Medium only

Diploma in Women Empowerment  

Diploma in creative writing in Hindi

Diploma in Tourism Studies

PG Diploma in translation studies

PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

PG Diploma in Electronics Media and Film Production

PG Diploma in Rural Development

PG Diploma in Disaster Management

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication

Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Bachelor of Business Administration

MA in Rural Development

MA in Hindi

MBA

MSW

Master of Library and Information Science

Master of Journalism and Mass Communication

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6. The Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

NAAC category: B

The Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University (formerly known as ‘Amravati University) was established on 1st May, 1983 vide Amravati University Act, 1983 (Maharashtra Act No.XXXVII-1983) . It is not among the so well reputed university in Maharashtra and in India. It is categorized as a B grade university by NAAC. Still, being a state university, it is much safer compared to those degree selling private universities offering distance learning programmes.

Courses offered:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Pre-Ph.D (admission open throughout the year)
• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)- Marathi Medium only 
• Bachelor of Arts- Additional- for getting additional degree in 1 year for those who have already completed graduation, medium: Marathi and English, subjects offered: Political Science, History, Sociology, Economics, Home Economics, Marathi literature
• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com, Marathi medium )
• B.Sc. (Home Science)- English Medium only
• Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.Sc.)
• Certificate/Diploma/Advance Diploma in Web Designing and Office Automation
• Diploma in Financial Management (DFM)- 1 year
• Diploma in Marketing Management- 1 year
• Diploma in Business Management-1 year
• Master of Business Administration - 3 years
• Master in Computer Management- 3 years
• Master of Arts, Sociology

Admission open: during June to September

study centres: Maharashtra only in following district: Buldhana, Amrawati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola

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7. Shivaji University, Kolhapur

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

NAAC category: B

Shivaji University, established in 1962, is named after the Great Maratha Warrior and founder of the Maratha empire Chhatrapati Shivaji. It was inaugurated on 18th November, 1962. It has very poor quality of education and has not made any progress in terms of quality. 

courses offered:

Bachelor of Arts- Marathi and English Medium

Bachelor of Commerce- Marathi and English Medium

M.Sc. Mathematics

MBA and Executive MBA

Master of Real Estate Valuation

MA- Economics, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Jainology, Public Administration, 

M.Com (No study Materials)

Centre: Only in Maharashtra- Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli and Karad

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8. SNDT Women's University, Mumbai- Only for Girl/ Women

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

NAAC category: A

Admission open: During June to September

Those who have not studied upto 12th, completed 18 years of age can read and write can take admission in BA/ b.Com after completing BPP (Entrance Exam)

It is India's first women's university established by the great seocial reformer Maharshi Karve to start a university specially for women. Although, like other government offices, the staff are highly non-supportive and with attitude (never reply to emails) still it is one of the best institute for girl to study further. 

Courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• University Entrance Test in Arts
• University Entrance Test in Commerce
• Master of Arts in English, Gujarati, Hindi,
•   & Marathi
• Master of Arts in Economics
• Master of Arts in History
• Master of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Arts in Political Science
• Master of Arts in Music
• Master of Arts in Education
• P G Diploma in Early Childhood Education
•  
• P. G. Diploma in School Counseling
• P. G. Diploma in Human Resource Management
•  
• Certificate Course : English for Communication
• Certificate Course : Basics of Diet Therapy
• Certificate Course : Guidance & Counseling

Exam centre: Mumbai, Pune, Gujrat and other part of Maharashtra

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9. Narsee Monji Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai

 Type: Deemed private University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till this year only

NAAC category: A

Admission time: May-August

It is one of the most reputed institute in India however with the money making mind. It offers diploma in management courses, none of the courses are equivalent for MBA and even this institute (NMIMS) self does not admit those who have completed PGDBA (2 years) course from this institute to its Ph.D programmes. The distance learning wing is only for the purpose of money making, nothing else. Fee is too costly at the annual fee of 34000 just for books and exam. 

Courses offered: Diploma duration: 1 year, PG Diploma: 2 years. Its Diploma and Pg Diplomas are not equivalent to MBA

DBM, 

DMM, 

DFM, 

DHRM, 

DITM, 

DSCM, 

DBFM, 

PGDBM, 

PGDMM, 

PGDFM, 

PGDHRM, 

PGDITM,

PGDSCM, 

PGDBFM

Following programmes are also offered but not approved by DEC

Duration: 6 months

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN DIGITAL MARKETING:

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Exam Centre: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, Pune, Kolkata

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10. Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

NAAC category: B

Admission open: During June to September

It is again a state university not so reputed, still better to pursue programmes

Courses offered:

BA

B.Com

BBA

MBA

Diploma in Women's Empowerment

PG Diploma in Library Automation and Networking

Certificate in English Language Teaching

Certificate in Disaster Management

Certificate in Nutrition and Child care

Certificate in media Studies

Certificate in cyber laws and Copy Right

The courses are cost effective but cannot say about quality of the study material contents. 

Centre: Latur, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli District of Maharashtra

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11. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai

Type: Private deemed university 

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till 2013-14 only.

NAAC accredition: Grade A

TISS need not any introduction, It is one of the most reputed and best institute in India from the legendary Tata family managed by Sir Dorabji Trust. 

DEC approved courses:

PG Diploma in Digital Library Information and Management (E- learning mode)
MA in Social Work (Child Rights)
MA social Work- International family studies

both MA programmes are offered online

Apart from this, this institute also offers PG Diploma in HRM (Weekend mode) Diploma in Counselling, Diploma in Gerentology, Diploma in Youth Development and Social Change, Pg Diploma in Distaster response and preparedness, Certificate in Development, Certificate in Vulnerability and Disaster response.

All these programmes are either in weekend or evening mode and carry lot of value. 

Study Centre and exam centre: Mumbai  and Hyderabad

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12. Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune

Those who have not studied upto 12th, completed 18 years of age can read and write can take admission in BA/ b.Com after completing BPP (Entrance Exam)

Type: Private deemed university 

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till 2013-14 only.

NAAC accredition: Not available

Established in 1921, according to the directions of Mahatma Gandhi, as the educational memorial of Lokmanya Tilak, great patriot, leader of the freedom struggle and the great thinker, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth aimed at imparting national education. The selfless work put in by the devoted teachers and students enabled the Vidyapeeth to survive against all odds during the pre-independence period. It is a known university, better than Shivaji and such other universities in the state. It is still better over them to pursue the course. 

Courses:

* Diploma in Banking and Finance(DBF)

* Certificate in ASP.Net

* Certificate in C,C++

* Certificate in Office Automation and Basics of Computer

* Certificate in Java

* Certificate in C # .Net

* Certificate in PHP

* Certificate in RDBMS

* Certificate in Web Designning

* Certificate in Home Nursing

* Certificate in Cyber Security

* Certificate Course in Health Attendant

* Advance Certificate Course in Application Engineering

*Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security

* Diploma in Cyber Security(DCS)

* Diploma in Yoga & Naturopathy(DYN)

* Advance Diploma in Cyber Security(ADCS)

* Master of Arts(M.A.) in English

* Master of Arts(M.A.)in Hindi

* Master of Arts(M.A.) in Marathi

* Master Of Commerce(M.Com.)

* Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Social Sciences

* Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Yoga

* Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

Please note that DEC has approved only following courses of this institute:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, History, Sociology, Geography)

● Bachelor of Arts (Yoga)

● Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

● Master of Commerce (M.Com)

● Master of Arts in Marathi, Hindi, English

● Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy

Centre: Mumbai, Pune

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13. University of Mumbai

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Yes, till the committee visits

NAAC category: A

Admission open: During June to September

Introduction:

This university is among  the oldest university in India i.e. University of Madras, Calcutta University and University of Mumbai (Bombay), it used to be reputed but now, practically speaking, it is worse than those grade B universities in term of quality, support, services and course content. Still, adding this university's degree in portfolio adds value due to perception. 

Courses:

● BA 

● MA in Education, Psychology, Sociology, 

History, English and Economics 

● B.Com and M.Com

● M. Sc (Mathematics)

Above are DEC approved courses. Apart from these, this institute also offers DEC not approved following courses:

B.Sc. (IT)

B.Sc. (Computer Science)

B.Sc. (Nautical Science)

M.Sc. (IT)

PGDORM (Operation Research)

PGDFM (Financial Management)

Centre: All over Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra

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14. University of Pune

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Not applicable as Pune University offers external programmes only

NAAC category: A

Admission open: During July to August

Introduction:

The University of  Pune is one of the most reputed university and in other words, we can say that it has more reputation than the university of Mumbai. It is a state government University and has achieved various milestone. It is founded in 10th February 1949. 

Courses: It offers courses in external mode only. No study materials in provided. 

● BA in various subjects like education, sociology, English, Marathi, public administration

● B.Com and M.Com

● M. Sc (Mathematics) and MA Mathematics

• LLM

Centre: All Over Pune District, Ahmednagar District and Nashik 

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15. North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Not applicable. Programmes are offered in external mode only, no study materials

NAAC category: B

Admission open: During June to September

Introduction:

Again, it is not amongst so well reputed university, however, being a state government university, you may find a safe degree as well as career if you complete degree from this university. 

Courses:

1.B. A. General
2. First Year B.Com
3.LLM
4. M. A. in Education
5. M. A. in English
6.M. A. in Hindi
7. M. A. in History
8. M. A. in Marathi
9. M. A. in Sociology
10. M. Sc.Mathematics
11.M.A.- DEFENCE & STRATEGIC STUDIES
12. M.A.- ECONOMICS
13. M.A. in Political Science
14. M.A.- SANSKRIT
15. M.A.-PHILOSOPHY
16.M.COM

Centre: In Maharashtra only following are the centres: Jalgaon, Amalner, Erandol, Raver, Khiroda, Dhule and Nandurbar

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16. Solapur University, Solapur

 Type: State University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Not applicable. Programmes are offered in external mode only, no study materials

NAAC category: Not accredited yet

Admission open: During June to September

Introduction:

This is a newer university and I guess lowest in the category of universities in Maharashtra. If we compare, these less known universities in Maharashtra are much better than so called "reputed" Mumbai University. They provide online facilities including scanned copy of online hall ticket and the 156 year old Mumbai University make student to stand in the que like beggar for filling form to collect hall ticket and all. 

Courses:

• BA
• B.Com
• MA- English, Hindi, Kannada, History, Political Science, Sociology, Urdu
• M.Com
• M.Sc. (Material Science)

Centre: Entire Solapur District in Maharashtra only

Admission: During February for the same year exam. Example for April 2014 exam admission will open during February.

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16.  IIT Bombay- Centre For Distance Engineering Education Programme

 Type: Institute of national importance, Central Government Deemed University

Approved by UGC :  Yes

approved by DEC: Not applicable. Programmes are offered are not categorised as certificate and Diploma 

NAAC category: Not accredited yet and it need not too

Admission open: Online, free of cost. It offers various skill development programmes.

Few courses examples are:

Testing and verification of VLSI circuit
Processor Design
Probabilitsic Models
Quantum Mechanics I
Finite Element Methods
Radio Frequency Microelectronics Chip Design
Space Flight Mechanic

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These are the list of universities. I feel, In Maharashtra enough distance learning institutes, courses are available so why somebody need to buy degree from these private universities? If these institute correct and improve their course materials, advertise it well and if provide enough information, people can choose right course and institute. Look at master of real estate valuation course of Shivaji University- something interesting and valuable. there are many such. 

Apart from the above universities, following institutes also offer courses through distance mode which are approved by DEC but since they are not a university (central/ state/ deemed or private) their courses are neither valid for higher studies nor holds that much value (specially SCDL, BIMM, MIT who are selling these certificates and providing no education at all). 

I hope this information is useful for you. Please post your comments and queries and I will surely respond subject to my available schedule. My next post will be on Universities in Tamil Nadu offering distance learning courses. 

Last updated on 28.06.2013 with courses addition at TISS