Pune is globally known not only for its rich culture and educational heritage hence known as the “Oxford of the East”. Pune City is home to several universities and academic institutions trailblazing quality education through online and distance modes of learning in a variety of undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) along with certificate and diploma programs among which the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program with an array of specializations. With the growing demand for flexible and easily accessible learning, various universities from Pune which bag several approvals and accreditations from numerous apex bodies such as AICTE, UGC, and DEB ensure learners pursue authentic degree programs. 

Universities or colleges that offer online and distance learning modes in an array of courses allow students to learn the course at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. With such offerings, the Online or distance BA programs have become one of the most efficient career choices for students around the globe willing to step into the world of Arts and Fine Arts. Academic institutions at Pune that offer Bachelor of Arts with online and distance learning modes to accommodate the hectic schedule of modern-day learners whether they are fresh intermediate graduates (10+2) who seek to continue their higher studies but do not want to attend traditional on-campus classes or working professionals who have already juggled with their existing personal and professional commitments. Interested candidates can enroll in an array of specializations including English, Hindi, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and more.

The motive of this blog post is to delve deeper and provide valuable insights about the top 5 BA Online and Distance BA Universities and Colleges in 2024 along with other information including Eligibility Criteria, Course duration, Tuition Fees, approvals and accreditations, course curriculum, course specializations, career opportunities, and more.

What is an Online/ Distance BA Program?

A Bachelor of Arts which is formally recognized as a BA program is an undergraduate program that can be pursued only after completion of an intermediate qualification (10+2) from any recognized board of education or state board with a minimum percentage of 50% to 60% aggregate marks. Online and distance education are modes of learning that provide flexibility to learners to master the course at their own pace and convenience irrespective of their geographical locations. Learners also get the flexibility to access the course curriculum anywhere and anytime by setting their own schedules. This lets learners not visit the campus to attend classes to cover the curriculum of the program. The online or distance BA program spans 3 years which is equivalent to a traditional on-campus BA program. However, to accommodate the hectic schedules of modern-day learners including fresh intermediate graduates or working professionals, concerned universities or colleges can extend the duration of the course up to 5 years.

Top 5 Online BA Universities/ Colleges in Pune

1. Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) - School of Open Learning: Savitribai Phule Pune University was established in 1949 in the north-western part of pune. The university started offering higher study courses through distance mode of learning in 2018. The university offers a BA program spanning 3 years with flexible modes of distance learning in a myriad of specializations including English, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Journalism and Mass Communication, etc. The BA program at SPPU - SOL allow students to master the course at their own pace regardless of their geographical locations.

2. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL): Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) was established in 2001 in Pune city to trailblaze quality education in an array of undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, and diploma programs. The SCDL has designed the BA program to empower students with the study of society and its different aspects to grab considerable career opportunities around the globe in their desired fields. SCDL allows learners to cover the curriculum while sitting comfortably at their places. SCDL holds several approvals and accreditations from different bodies including AICTE, UGC, and DEB ensuring the credibility of the program globally. SCDL assures learners with the meticulously designed curriculum by a seasoned team of globally renowned faculty members and experienced industry professionals along with subject matter ensuring the curriculum is a perfectly theoretical and practical blended curriculum.

3. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): IGNOU is the largest open university in the world. The university has its headquarters established in New Delhi, India in 1985. The university bags several approvals including AICTE, UGC, and DEB proves the authenticity of the program around the globe. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NNAC) with A+ and The National Institutional Ranking Framework has ranked the university with rank 1 in overall open university category delivering distance courses.

4. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS): NMIMS is one of the esteemed universities, addressed in Maharashtra, India. The university is known for higher-quality academic standards and industry-oriented courses allowing learners to equip themselves with the relevant skills required to excel in their respective domains through Global Access School for Continuing Education (NGA-SCE) with a distance mode of learning.

5. Amity University Online (AU Online): Amity University Online (Online AU) is a Noida based private university globally recognized for offering quality education through online mode of learning allowing students to access the coursework, interactive online sessions with seasoned faculty members, peer students, and others. Learners can master the BA program in an array of specializations including English, Hindi, History, political science, sociology, psychology, and numerous others. Students can evaluate their academic performances through assignment, project works, along with mid-term examination and end-term examinations while sitting at their homes.