Distance Education has seen its fair share of popularity in recent years because of its user-friendly interface, and providing the same quality of education as regular mode, and Bihar is not left out from this modern trend. Distance education in Bihar is growing steadily, driven by flexibility, affordability, and increasing digital access. Enrollment is rising as more students, especially from rural areas and working professionals, opt for these programs. Government initiatives like subsidized fees and free digital devices have further boosted participation. Universities in Bihar, including Nalanda Open University and IGNOU, now offer diverse courses ranging from undergraduate degrees to skill-based programs.
However, challenges remain. Poor internet connectivity in remote areas and a lack of awareness about distance education opportunities limit its reach. Additionally, some still view distance education as inferior to traditional learning, which affects its acceptance.
Despite these hurdles, the future looks promising. Rising digital penetration and efforts to modernize education systems are set to enhance the quality and accessibility of distance education. With growing acceptance among employers and students, Bihar’s distance education landscape is on an upward trajectory, poised to make higher education more inclusive and impactful.
List of Distance Education Universities in Bihar
1. Patna University
Patna University is the seventh oldest university in India, with profound academic traditions. Distance education is a fairly known ground for Patna University, The Directorate of Distance Education, Patna University was established in 1974 to meet the growing need for education amongst the rural area. Patna University has 10 constituent colleges, and 31 PG departments. Applicants can apply for admission by both offline and online mode. Students can access the university portal here.
Courses offered: The directorate of distance education, Patna University offers education through postal correspondence to students of B.A. / B.Com. (Hons.), BCA, Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS), PG Diploma in Journalism, PG Diploma in Financial Management, PG Diploma in Marketing Management, and PG Diploma in Operations Management.
Fee structure: The fee slab varies from course to course within the range of INR 300 to INR 500 for SC/ST students and INR 650 to INR 850 for general students.
2. Magadh University
Magadh University was established in 1962, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning. The university at present has 24 PG departments, 44 constituent colleges, and 85 affiliated colleges, ensuring quality education. Applicants can apply for admission to the distance education program of Magadh University by both offline and online methods. Students wishing to apply for admission by online application can do so on the web portal of the university provided here.
Courses offered: The courses offered by Magadh University’s distance education program are job-oriented, innovative, and designed for independent learners. Courses like B.ed, M.ed, and B.dil are offered through correspondence.
Fee structure: Total fees for PG programs such as MA, M.ed, and M.Lib fall between the fee slab of INR 15,000 to INR 30,000, additionally, for UG courses like B.Ed and B.Lib, the total fees range from INR 13,200 to INR 95,000.
3. Nalanda Open University
The Nalanda Open University was established in the year 1987, exclusively to impart learning through the system of distance education. It has an excellent administrative structure and has emerged as a pioneer in distance learning in Bihar. Students can apply online through the official admission portal of Nalanda Open Univerity.
Courses offered: There are 10 schools of distance education currently operational under NOU with 100+ courses covering UG, PG, and various diploma programs such as BA, B.Ed, B.Com, etc.
Fee structure: For MA, MCom, and MSc INR 4400 is fixed as yearly fees whereas for courses like MJMC and certain diploma courses, the total fees paid annually is INR 5500. For additional inquiries about the fee structure and admission procedure, one can visit the official portal of the university.
4. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU)
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Biha University popularly known as B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University was established in 1960 in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. It was approved to impart distance education on 2nd March 1997. The university has 37 constituent colleges. Students can apply for admission through online mode only.
Courses offered: BRABU offers courses that would provide the students with better career opportunities in the future. B.A./B.Sc/B.Com are some of the courses which are offered by the university under its distance UG program. The university also offers PG courses like M.A./M.Sc/M.Com in which there is no practical and teaching is imparted in the regular colleges of the University except involving practicals.
Fee structure: For every bachelor’s degree provided by the university the fee slab is fixed at INR 3700 per year, however, for all the PG programs the fee is INR 4300.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY PROVIDING DISTANCE EDUCATION IN BIHAR
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
One of the leading universities in India which is a pioneer in distance education and provides education in every state of the country. Established in 1985, IGNOU proudly stands as the No.1 ranked university in distance education, ranked by NIRF (National Institute Ranking Framework).
With over 69 regional centers, more than 2,000 learner support centers across India, and 25 study centers in 15 countries, IGNOU reaches some of the most remote areas of the nation. It serves a diverse range of learners, including those from marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and even students from around the world. IGNOU has played a significant role in transforming India’s education system. By fostering meaningful partnerships, advancing research, and maintaining a strong focus on quality, the university upholds the principles of access, affordability, equity, and excellence, ensuring education is within everyone’s reach.
Courses offered: IGNOU offers 45 programs including all UG, PG, certification/diploma, and Research studies.
The university offers a wide range of UG and PG programs including streams such as BA/MA, BBA/MBA, BCA/MCA, BJMC/MJMC, bachelor’s, and master’s in language studies, and various other courses.
It also offers certification programs like Information security, Power management systems, and Awareness programs on dairy farming among others.
IGNOU is also one of the very few universities that offer Doctoral programs in their distance education. It offers research studies like a PG certificate in Patent practice, a PG diploma in analytical studies, and a few others.
Fee structure: Due to its large variety of courses, the fee structure of IGNOU varies between the fee slab of INR 4000 to INR 55,000 per year for its UG courses, whereas for its PG and certification programs, the fees are almost identical falling between the range of INR 4500 to INR 60,000, however, Fees are fixed at INR 16,000 per year for all of its doctoral programs.
Summary
Distance Education in Bihar is going through the growth phase. There is a high demand for online and distance courses in Bihar. The state’s universities, both local and central, such as Patna University, Magadh University, Nalanda Open University, BRABU, and IGNOU, are playing an important role in increasing educational opportunities. Education through these universities is the best option for people living in rural areas and for working professionals. Bihar will continue to expand, making education a realistic goal for an increasing number of students and helping bridge educational gaps across the state.
