Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra: Maharashtra, one of the most developed states in India, is well-known for its strong higher education system and reputed universities. The state offers several quality distance education options for students who prefer flexible learning. All these universities are approved and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and its Distance Education Bureau (DEB).
Maharashtra has several universities that offer UG, PG, diploma and certificate courses. The most famous of them include B.A, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, M.A, M.Com, M.Sc, MBA and many other courses. These programs are designed to provide flexibility and accessibility to students from different backgrounds. The top distance education universities of Maharashtra include YCMOU, SPPU CDOE, University of Mumbai, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Shivaji University, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Welingkar Institute, Indira International Academy, and Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Vishwavidyalaya.
The admission process will start from 2nd week of May 2026 for the distance education universities in Maharashtra for the July 2026 academic year. The fee structure is generally affordable compared to regular courses. Undergraduate programs usually range between INR 5,000 to INR 25,000, while postgraduate courses range from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000, depending on the university and course. MBA programs may have slightly higher fees based on the institution. Most universities in Maharashtra conduct admissions in two cycles January and July. Currently, admissions for the July 2026 session will start soon, and candidates can apply through the official university websites by completing the online application process. The last date to apply for the admission in distance education in Maharashtra will be 31 July 2026.
Top Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra 2026
Maharashtra has many universities that offer open and distance learning education. The most famous of them are:
- Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
- Shivaji University
- Bharati Vidyapeeth University
- International institution of population sciences
- University of Mumbai
Why choose Distance Education in Maharashtra?
The state of Maharashtra gives students, alongside working individuals and competitive exam candidates, an excellent option to pursue education without traditional classroom attendance. The educational method enables students to determine their learning timelines alongside carrying out their professional duties or other responsibilities in life. Students can access affordable classes whose study material spans from undergraduate programs to postgraduate programs. Knowledge acquisition became simpler because of online learning resources, along with digital libraries and study materials. A recognized distance education degree functions as a pathway to advanced employment potentials alongside individual self-improvement prospects.
Top 5 DEB-UGC Approved Distance Colleges of Maharashtra
1. University of Mumbai (MU IDOL)
The University of Mumbai is one of the oldest and premier universities in India. The university is a state public university, established in 1857. The university was accredited with an ‘A++’ grade status in April 2017 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The University of Mumbai offers Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Master of Arts (M.A), Master of Commerce (M.Com), Master of Science (M.Sc), Master of Computer Application (MCA), and Master of Management Studies. The average fees for courses range from INR 15,000 to 20,000.
| Admission Update | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 July 2026 |
2. Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya (MGHAV)
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (MGAHV) was established in 1997 by the Act of Parliament. The university is a central university located in Maharashtra. Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya offers varied UG and PG courses, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Journalism, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Master of Arts (M.A), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Journalism, and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The course fee ranges from INR 5000 to INR 12000, making it affordable for all the students and economically feasible.
| Admission Update | 12 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 July 2026 |
3. Shivaji University Kolhapur
Shivaji University, established in 1962, is a state university located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. The Center for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) has been working in the area of higher education and making efforts to make education more fruitful for those who are needy, eager to earn knowledge, and belong to remote areas of society.
The university is located in Kolhapur, and offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Master of Arts (M.A), Master of Science (M.Sc), and Master of Commerce (M.Com). All the courses offered by the university are in various specialisations, which gives students a variety of choices. The fees for courses vary, but the average fee per semester ranges from INR 3000 to INR 6000.
| Admission Update | 12 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 30 July 2026 |
4. Bharathi Vidyapeeth University
Bharati Vidyapeeth, the parent body of Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), was established in 1964 by the eminent educationist and visionary Dr. Patangrao Kadam. The university offers courses in Arts, Commerce, Management Studies, and Law.
Bharati Vidyapeeth university offers various UG, PG and diploma courses, including (Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A), Bachelor of Computer Applications (B.C.A), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Computer Application (M.C.A), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master in Commerce (M.Com). The average fee per semester is INR 20000 to INR 45000.
| Admission Update | 11 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 July 2026 |
5. International Institute for Population Sciences
The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) serves as a regional Institute for Training and Research in Population Studies for the ESCAP region. It is deemed to be a university established in Mumbai in July 1956. IIPS has been playing a vital role in shaping the discipline of population studies. The university offers a Master of Arts in population studies, providing students with a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary education that will prepare them to be leaders in the field of population, health, and development. Admission for the programme is open in July-August of every year, and the course fee is INR 30,000.
| Admission Update | 12 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 July 2026 |
Suggested Read
List Distance Education Universities in Maharashtra Approved by UGC-DEB
| State | Type of University | Name of University |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE UNIVERSITY | |
| MAHARASHTRA | DEEMED TO-BE-UNIVERSITY | Bharati Vidyapeeth Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | DEEMED TO-BE-UNIVERSITY | Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE UNIVERSITY | Shivaji University Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | CENTRAL UNIVERSITY | Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE UNIVERSITY | SNDT Women’s University Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY | Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University Admission |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE UNIVERSITY | Mumbai University Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | STATE UNIVERSITY | Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University Distance Education |
| MAHARASHTRA | DEEMED TO-BE-UNIVERSITY | International Institute for Population Sciences Distance Education |
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