Open Universities in Kolkata

The open universities in Kolkata are Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), and Rabindra Bharati University. There are many institutes that offer top-class education over the decades in India. 

Students seeking admission to the distance learning universities in Kolkata must complete the class 12th from a recognized board with at least 45% marks. A comprehensive overview of the best open universities in Kolkata, their location, eligibility criteria, and courses offered are discussed in the article below. 

What is an Open University?

Before looking at the open universities in Kolkata, let us first understand what is an open university. An Open University is an educational institute that offers flexible distance learning programs. Students can study at an open university from anywhere in the world and learn at their own pace. Unlike traditional universities, an open university does not need formal qualifications to get admission to a course. 

It makes higher education much easier and more accessible to more people. Working professionals, homemakers, and people who can not join a university due to traditional barriers can join an open university for their education.

Best Open Universities in Kolkata

There are primarily three open universities in Kolkata where students can take admission in different courses. The colleges that come under the list of best open universities in Kolkata are Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and Rabindra Bharati University. All the details of these universities are mentioned below.

• Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU)

NSOU is an open university established by the West Bengal State Legislative Assembly. It is one of the popular open universities in Kolkata. It has been named the most innovative university for incorporating ICT into vocational education and training. It provides distance education programs in arts, science, commerce, and a variety of other fields. NSOU accepts scores from several entrance exams, including UGC NET/GATE/CET. 

• Year of Establishment: 1997
• Recognition: UGC, AICTE, NAAC.
• Courses/ Degrees Offered: undergraduate, graduate, certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, postgraduate diploma, and doctoral levels.
• Location: DD-26, Sector-I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700 064

Also Read: NSOU Admission

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre, Kolkata

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, is one of the world's largest government-run open universities that offers distance learning programs. In 1987, IGNOU began operations with two distance learning courses and over 4500 students registered. 

IGNOU also has an "A++" grade from the NAAC and is recognized by the UGC. It contains 21 Schools of Studies, 67 regional centres, about 2,667 learner support centres, and 29 overseas partner institutions.  Over 4 million students are currently enrolled in part-time or remote learning courses. All of IGNOU's courses and degrees are internationally recognised. It is one of the prominent open universities in Kolkata.

• Year of Establishment: 1985
• Recognition: UGC, NAAC, DEB.
• Courses/ Degrees Offered: undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma, and PG diploma courses.
• Location: Bikash Bhawan, Fourth Ave, DF Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091

Also Read: IGNOU Alumni

• Rabindra Bharati (State University)

Rabindra Bharati University was founded in 1962 to commemorate the birth centennial of famed poet Rabindranath Tagore. The institution is unique in that it positions itself as a center for higher study in the performing arts, fine arts, language, literature, and social services. Rabindra Bharati University has three primary faculties: arts, fine arts, and visual arts. RBU Kolkata has also incorporated academic topics such as geography, human rights and development, sociology, environmental studies, and mathematics for the modern day. It is one of the prestigious open universities in Kolkata offering quality education.

• Year of Establishment: 1962
• Recognition: UGC, NAAC, NCTE, NIRF.
• Courses/ Degrees Offered: undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, post graduate diploma, certificate course
• Location: Dwarakanath, No 6/4, PK Tagore St, Raja Katra, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007

Also Read: Rabindra Bharati University Admission