Not interested in pursuing a full-time degree or diploma courses? Don’t worry, distance learning is the future!
Distance education in India is growing tremendously day by day. This mode of education attracts people who are currently engaged in a full-time job and want to pursue higher education along with their careers.
Students who are interested in pursuing their higher education through distance mode have a wide range of courses & career options to choose from. In this article, we will explore the list of job-oriented distance learning courses, top universities, career scope and job opportunities.
But let’s first understand, what are the benefits of pursuing distance learning courses after 12th:
Why should i pursue distance programs? Well, the answer is below!
Distance Courses are Flexible
Distance learning courses are very Flexible, that helps you to pursue your studies along with your job or any other commitments.
More Accessible
Students can access high quality courses offered by world’s leading institutions, making them accessible from any geo-graphical location.
Affordable
Distance learning courses are more affordable than the traditional courses with very low tuition fees and zero commute costs.
Wide Range of Courses
Candidates have the option to choose from a variety of courses like UG, PG, Diploma & certificate programmes.
Job oriented & skill based
Many short term distance learning courses are more practical and skill oriented making them ideal for the job market.
Distance education also known as distance learning is the medium of learning without attending the regular classrooms. This mode of learning uses online platforms & other digital resources to deliver content, assignments, and assessments.
Distance Education in India
In India, the distance education is regulated by several bodies which are responsible for ensuring quality & standard of the programmes offered. The key bodies include:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- State open universities
Why Distance Learning?
Many people choose distance education for higher studies while they are working. The primary motive is to upgrade their skills and apply them at work. However, this doesn’t mean that students who are not currently working can’t take distance courses.
Distance courses are open for everybody, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria set by the university, are eligible to pursue their distance programs.
The Courses offered through distance education are more affordable and provides opportunities to aspirants to enhance their qualification and growth in career options.
Distance Learning Courses After 12th
Below is the list of job oriented distance learning courses that student can opt after 12th:
- UG Courses
- Diploma Courses
- Professional Courses
- Certificate Courses
- PG Distance Courses
- PG Diploma Course through distance
Nows, let’s discuss popular distance learning courses in detail:
UG Courses
The UG degree courses though distance programme are equivalent to any traditional full time UG degree programs. Candidates can pursue these courses after class 12th.
The course duration for most of the UG distance programme is generally 3 years. For admission, candidates have to register online and appear in the entrance test conducted by many open universities in India. Some of the popular distance UG courses are given below:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
- B.Sc. Information Technology (B.Sc IT)
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
- Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management (BTTM)
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)
Wondering what to do after 12th?
Check – Career & Course selection guide After 12th
Diploma Courses
Diploma programs are specialized courses that students can pursue after 12th. These courses are shorter in duration than the UG degree programs and focus on specific skill & practical work as a part of curriculum.
Students can pursue diploma courses which typically range from 6 months to 2 years in duration. Some of trending diploma courses in distance education are:
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Diploma in Graphic Designing
- Diploma in Interior Designing
- Diploma in Financial Accounting
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Financial Management (DFM)
- Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM)
- Diploma in Marketing Management (DMM)
- Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC)
Read More about – Top Diploma Courses After 12th
Professional Courses
Professional courses are highly skilled job oriented courses, that provide specific skill and knowledge required to work in a particular profession or industry.
The example of professional courses are CA, CS. Though CA course is not a traditional distance learning programme, but it is very much similar in many aspect to the distance learning programmes offered by many universities in India.
Certificate Courses
Certificate courses are of very short duration typically 3 months to 1 year. After completion of the course, candidates get rewarded with the “certificate of recognition” and acquire the job ready skills.
Most online ed-tech platforms offers certificate courses in many fields like web development, Data Analytics, graphic designing, video editing, blockchain, product management etc. Some of the popular certificate distance programs are:
- Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Certificate in Graphic Design
- Certificate in Digital Photography
- Certificate in Financial Management
- Certificate in Mobile App Development
- Certificate in Social Media Marketing
- Certificate in Cybersecurity
PG Distance Courses
After completing UG courses, candidates can go for PG courses through distance learning mode. These type of course are good option for those individuals who are currently employed full time and wish to pursue higher education alongside their careers.
- Master of Commerce (M.Com)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Science (M.Sc)
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Computer Application (MCA)
- Master of Science in Information Technology(M.Sc IT)
- Master in Interior Design
- Master in Fashion Management & Design (MFM)
- Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)
PG Diploma Courses
Some of the PG diploma courses through distance mode are listed below:
- PG Diploma in Business Administration
- Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA)
- PG Diploma in Information Technology
- PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
Top Universities in India 2025
Here, we have listed some reputed Universities that offers distance education in India.
Top Distance Education Universities in India:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU 2025)
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)
- Sikkim Manipal University (SMU-DE)
- University of Mumbai (IDOL)
- University of Delhi (SOL)
- Amity University Online
- Annamalai University
- Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU)
- Karnataka State Open University (KSOU)
- Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU)
- Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU)
- Uttarakhand Open University (UOU)
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU)
Eligibility Criteria & Admission
The Admission to distance learning courses varies from university to university, each university has it own criteria & procedures. Some universities offers admission through the entrance test, while some of them provide direct admission.
Candidates are required to fill the application form for admission to distance learning courses offered by the Universities. In most of the universities, the basic eligibility to pursue distance course is to pass class 12th with minimum percentage of marks as prescribed by the university.
Career & Jobs
Is Distance Learning Effective? Can I Get a Good Job with a Distance Learning Degree?
This is one of the common query that students have regarding distances courses. To make it clear, yes distance learning programmes are equally effective and recognisable as the full time programs.
The only thing that the candidates have to keep in mind is to make sure that they choose a reputed university with is recognised and accredited by the UGC.
In developing Countries like India, distance education has an enormous scope. These programs focus more on skills & practical aspect of the curriculum which is directly applicable in the workplace.
When it comes to employment, students have enormous opportunities available in both private and public sectors. The job opportunities largely depend on the course/program choosen by the students.
The Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of the UGC in its norms and guidelines has clearly mentioned that distance education courses approved by DEB are valid for the employment and services under the Central Government of India.
Also Check – Popular Courses After 10th
Distance Learning Courses FAQ’s
For more information regarding Distance learning courses In India 2025, you may ask us by commenting below.
Master degree from distance
Yes, Master degrees are possible through distance program in India.
I did bsc in zoology from ignou. What course should I do after this. Please suggest.
After completing a BSc in Zoology from IGNOU, you have several options depending on your interests and career goals. Some of popular courses are:
MSc in Zoology
MSc in Environmental Science
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
I am studied BBA one year from college and second,third year at distance education. Can I get a job??
You should consider upskilling yourself. Additionally, pursuing a PG degree like an MBA could help you secure a good job.
Can any medical course or research on disease like cancer be pursued through distance mode of education? If yes please inform.
Medical courses, especially those related to clinical practice or hands-on research cannot be pursued through distance education. Some of the courses that you can consider are PG Diploma in Bioinformatics, MBA in Hospital Management etc.
What is job opportunities after completing m.phil in correspondance?
You can find job opportunities in the roles like academia, research, Research Analysts, Advisors and various professional sectors.
मै First division ISC Agriculture हूं,DDE से बीएससी करना चाहता हू, मार्गदर्शन की अपेक्षा है।
For B.Sc agriculture distance program, you can consider applying in these universities:
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU).
Will I be able to get job in MNC if I have bcom degree certificate pursued through distance mode
I have done diploma in architecture (2007-2010).Now I want to do further education in Civil Engineer. Is there any distance course for me? Please suggest.
I have completed me first year of home science in regular form so can I get admission in second year through distance learning?
Is there M.BA course thro.distance . How I can admit
I have completed my secondary education (10th) in 1991. Have you any suggestion for short term (6-18 Months) course for me. Send me details Please.
I have completed graduation in 2012 with BA Ancient histry honours and subsidery subject is sociology histry. Recently, I am working in banking sector PSU…please recommend subject to complete PG.
I want to do distance degree course in hospitality. Pls send me the detail how can I apply for it
I am 10 th passed
Am I eligible for distance business management course?
Looking for postgraduate diploma in environment or pollution control through distance learning .thanks