Open university
The term open university usually refers to a university with an open-door academic policy, i.e. no entry requirements. That is why open universities are usually ”open” to all students. The initial thought behind open universities was to make higher education accessible for everyone.
Open universities in India are typically the single mode of open distance learning institutions offering education through distance mode and are established by an act of parliament or state legislature. The fact that, it is not possible for everyone to pursue a regular education system. There may be various reasons for the same, it can be location, affordability, health issue etc. For those people, Open Universities are a blessing. In India currently, there are 14 open universities such as Indira Gandhi National Open University, Dr. B.R Ambedkar Open University, etc.
There are many open universities in india. Some of the important of them are as follows:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- B.R Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Hyderabad
- Nalanda Open University (NOU) Patna
- Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota
- UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), Allahabad
- Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani (Nainital)
- Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore
- Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU), Bhopal
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU was founded to serve the Indian population by means of distance and open education, providing higher education opportunities to all segments of society. It also aims to encourage, coordinate and set standards for distance and open education in India, and to strengthen the human resources of India through education. Apart from teaching and research, extension and training form the mainstay of its academic activities. It also acts as a national resource centre, and serves to promote and maintain standards of distance education in India.
Dr. B.R Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Hyderabad
The University, initially known as Andhra Pradesh Open University, was set up on 26th August 1982 through an Act of the A.P. State Legislature (APOU Act 1982). Subsequently, the University was renamed as Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University on 26 October, 1991 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The establishment of this University, the first of its kind in India, heralded an era of affirmative action on the part of the Government of Andhra Pradesh to provide opportunities of higher education to all sections of society to meet the changing individual and social needs. All the programmes offered by the University are recognised by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi.
Nalanda Open University (NOU) Patna
The Nalanda Open University is the only University in the State of Bihar meant for imparting learning exclusively through the system of distance education. The University was established in March, 1987 by an ordinance, promulgated by the Government of Bihar. Later, Nalanda Open University Act, 1995 was passes by the Bihar Legislature, replacing the Ordinance, and the University came under the authority and jurisdiction of the new Act automatically. The University is named after the famous Nalanda University of Ancient India.
UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), Allahabad
The university plans to provide access to higher education for large segments of population and, in particular, disadvantaged groups such as those living in remote and rural areas including working people, homemakers and other adults who wish to upgrade or acquire knowledge through studies. It will also make efforts to promote acquisition of knowledge in a rapidly developing and changing society and continually offer opportunity for upgrading knowledge, training and skills in the context or innovations, research and discovery in all fields of human endeavor.
Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani (Nainital)
The University aims to impart quality education by maintaining high academic standards. For this purpose, it has radically reoriented itself in view of the rapid changes in the sphere of professional and technical education and has developed a number of new and innovative self-employment/ employment oriented courses of study. Uttarakhand Open University is especially focusing on the educational needs of women, the tribals and other marginalized sections. It has extended its reach to most distant and difficult places and has made its presence felt even in the remotest corners of the state.