VELS University Online & Distance Alternative Universities to Consider
Students considering alternatives to VELS University Online & Distance Education can compare universities based on programs, learning mode, eligibility, fees, and student support. Several alternative colleges and universities offer online or distance programs across different fields. However, students should verify the institution and specific program on the official UGC-DEB portal before applying. The UGC-DEB provides current recognition and entitlement details for ODL and online programs.
1. Dayananda Sagar University
Dayananda Sagar University is a private university that offers online programs including MBA, MCA, BBA, BCA, and B.Com. The university's online learning ecosystem focuses on industry-relevant education, practical skill development, and career growth. The starting fee is approximately ₹22,250 per semester. The university provides live online sessions, recorded content, in-demand electives, online examinations, a dedicated placement cell, and an industry-relevant curriculum.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the university. | ₹ 32,875 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree in B.E., B.Tech., B.Sc., B.Com., B.A., B.Voc., or BCA with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation is preferred; students without it must complete a bridge course. | ₹ 32,875 |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) | ₹ 22,250 |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) | ₹ 22,250 |
| B.Com | 10+2 or equivalent qualification with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates). | ₹ 22,250 |
2. Amity University
Amity University is a private university that offers a wide range of online UG and PG programs, including MBA, MCA, M.Com, M.Sc, MA, BA, B.Com, BBA, and BCA. With a NAAC A+ grade, it provides flexible study options for students and working professionals. The starting fee is approximately ₹15,000 per semester. Its online programs are designed to provide AI-powered career support, 100% placement assistance, and merit-based scholarships.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 40% marks. (Below 40%: Admission test required) | ₹ 56,300 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree (BCA or equivalent preferred); graduates from Science, Commerce, or Arts with Mathematics at 10+2 level can apply, while those without Mathematics can apply after completing a bridge course. | ₹ 49,800 |
| M.Com | Graduation in any discipline. (Diploma not accepted) | ₹ 37,500 |
| M.Sc | Bachelor's degree in any Science discipline | ₹ 68,800 |
| MA | Graduation in any discipline. (Diploma not accepted) | ₹ 37,500 |
| BA | 10+2 pass candidates with basic English proficiency; non-English medium students must have at least 3 years of education in English medium. | ₹ 19,200 |
| B.Com | 10+2 | ₹ 29,167 |
| BBA | 10+2 | ₹ 33,200 |
| BCA | 10+2 | ₹ 29,200 |
3. Manipal University, Jaipur
Online Manipal University Jaipur is a private university that offers a range of online UG and PG programs, including MBA, MCA, MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MAJMC, BBA, B.Com, and BCA. The starting fee is approximately ₹16,500 per semester. It focuses on industry-oriented education, scholarship benefits, 100% placement assistance, and also provides an opportunity to learn with Coursera.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Recognized 10+2+3 bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) | ₹ 24,500 – ₹ 38,250 |
| MCA | Graduation with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories); candidates from other streams or without Mathematics must complete the required bridge courses | ₹ 35,550 |
| MA | Recognized 10+2+3 bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,000 |
| M.Com | Recognized 10+2+3 bachelor’s degree or an AIU-equivalent qualification | ₹ 27,000 |
| M.Sc | BSc or equivalent bachelor’s degree with Mathematics as a compulsory subject | ₹ 20,000 |
| MAJMC | Recognized 10+2+3 bachelor’s degree or equivalent AIU-approved qualification | ₹ 20,000 |
| BBA | 10+2 or a recognized 10+3 diploma from a national or state board/institution | ₹ 23,250 |
| B.Com | 10+2 or a recognized 10+3 diploma from a national or state board/institution | ₹ 16,500 |
| BCA | 10+2 or a recognized 10+3 diploma from a national or state board/institution | ₹ 23,250 |
4. O.P. Jindal Global University
O.P. Jindal Global University is a private, multidisciplinary university known for its global outlook and focus on academic excellence. Its online programs include B.Com, B.Sc, MA, and M.Sc, along with several specialized programs in business, finance, public policy, and international studies. The starting fee is approximately ₹45,834 per semester. The university also provides a 5-day campus immersion program and advanced digital learning.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com | 10+2 with at least 50% marks, with Mathematics, Business Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or Accounting as one subject. | ₹ 45,833 |
| B.Sc | 10+2 with at least 50% marks in any discipline, but must have studied any one of these subjects: Maths, Business Mathematics, Statistics, or Business Studies; admission is based on FACTA and a personal interview. | ₹ 45,833 |
| MA | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from any recognized university in India or abroad | ₹ 68,750 |
| M.Sc | Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks; candidates with less than 50% marks must appear for the JSAT examination | ₹ 68,750 |
5. Lovely Professional University
Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a private university known for its wide range of academic programs and industry-oriented curriculum. LPU Online offers programs including M.Sc., MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA, BA, BBA, and BCA. The starting fee is approximately ₹20,000 per semester. The university provides AI-powered interview coaching, LinkedIn Learning, and access to exclusive resources.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent; CS, CA, or CMA qualification is also accepted. | ₹ 40,400 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level; students without Mathematics or Computer background must complete the required bridge courses. | ₹ 32,400 |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Management, Economics, Accounts, or Mathematics, or equivalent | ₹ 20,400 |
| M.Sc | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level. | ₹ 20,400 |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | ₹ 16,400 |
| BA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 16,400 |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,400 |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,400 |
6. Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a private university that offers a range of online UG and PG programs, including BBA, BCA, BA, MBA, MCA, M.Sc., and MA. The starting fee is approximately ₹18,750 per semester. Chandigarh University Online provides an early bird discount option, 1000+ master classes & industry expert sessions. The university also provides internship support, resume writing workshops, LinkedIn master class, and career coaching sessions.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 21,875 – ₹ 27,550 |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 22,125 |
| BA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 21,875 |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university; CA, ICWA, and other recognized professional qualifications are also accepted. | ₹ 41,250 – ₹ 45,000 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree in BCA, Computer Science, IT, or a related field, or any graduation degree with Mathematics, Business Mathematics, Programming, or Statistics at 10+2 or graduation level. | ₹ 29,063 |
| M.Sc | Bachelor's Degree with Mathematics as a compulsory subject from a recognizeBoard/University | ₹ 18,750 – ₹ 25,251 |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent qualification | ₹ 18,750 – ₹ 27,000 |
7. Sharda University
Sharda University is India’s first online AI university that offers online programs including MBA, MCA, M.Com, BBA, and BCA. The university focuses on artificial intelligence, data science, and generative AI. The starting fee is approximately ₹12,500 per semester. The university provides AI-powered support, campus immersion, smart online AI classrooms, 50+ AI tools training, and AI placement assistance.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | ₹ 35,000 |
| MCA | BCA / B.Sc. CS from a recognized university | ₹ 30,000 |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a related discipline | ₹ 12,500 – ₹ 35,000 |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,000 |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,000 |
8. Shoolini University
Shoolini University is a private university that offers a range of online UG and PG programs, including MBA, MCA, MA, M.Sc., MAJMC, BBA, BCA, and B.Com. The university focuses on career-oriented education, expert faculty, and industry-relevant learning. The starting fee is approximately ₹15,000 per semester. Shoolini Online also provides upskilling courses, AI-Based interview preparation, and Career Tiger premium access.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories and 60% for international students). | ₹ 32,500 – ₹ 45,000 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (60% for international students); students without Mathematics must complete a compulsory bridge course. | ₹ 32,500 |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 40% marks | ₹ 15,000 |
| M.Sc | Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering, CSE, or a related discipline with at least 50% marks. | ₹ 32,500 |
| MAJMC | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | ₹ 20,000 |
| BBA | 10+2 in any discipline with at least 40% marks (60% for international students) | ₹ 16,000 |
| BCA | 10+2 in any discipline with at least 40% marks (60% for international students) | ₹ 16,000 |
| B.Com | 10+2 in any discipline with at least 40% marks (60% for international students) | ₹ 15,000 |
9. Sikkim Manipal University
Sikkim Manipal University is a private university established by the Government of Sikkim that offers online programs including MBA, MA, MCA, M.Com, BA, BBA, and B.Com. The starting fee is approximately ₹12,500 per semester. The university provides exclusive scholarships, Lumen (an AI-powered, mobile-first learning platform), learning resources, extensive libraries, and an intelligent chatbot system.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), or an equivalent qualification recognized by AIU | ₹ 27,000 |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification recognized by AIU. | ₹ 18,750 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science, IT, or equivalent, with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Other graduates can apply with required bridge courses | ₹ 24,750 |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification recognized by AIU. | ₹ 18,750 |
| BA | 10+2 or 10+3 diploma from a recognized national or state board/institution | ₹ 12,500 |
| BBA | 10+2 or 10+3 diploma from a recognized national or state board/institution, or an equivalent qualification recognized by AIU. | ₹ 15,000 |
| B.Com | 10+2 or 10+3 diploma from a recognized national or state board/institution | ₹ 12,500 |
10. Galgotias University
Galgotias University is a private university that offers online programs including MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA, BCA, and BBA. The university provides an advanced digital learning platform (GULP), skill development series, and career awareness and progression support. The starting fee is approximately ₹10,050 per semester. Its online programs provide structured learning, digital resources, academic support, and industry exposure.
| COURSE | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | FEES PER SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent qualification | ₹ 20,050 |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualification | ₹ 21,050 |
| M.Com | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a related discipline | ₹ 12,550 |
| MA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent qualification | ₹ 10,050 |
| BCA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 13,867 |
| BBA | 10+2 or equivalent qualification | ₹ 12,867 |
How to Choose Between VELS University Online & Distance and Other Universities
Check UGC-DEB Recognition
First, verify the university and specific program on the official UGC-DEB portal. Recognition can vary by program and session, so students should confirm the current status before comparing universities.
Compare Available Programs
VELS offers ODL options such as MBA, BBA, B.Com, and B.A. programs. Therefore, students should compare these offerings with other universities based on their preferred subject, qualification, and long-term academic plans.
Review the Learning Approach
VELS combines self-learning materials, digital library resources, assignments, online supplementary materials, and weekend Personal Contact Programs. Students can compare these learning resources with the support provided by other universities.
Consider Examination Requirements
VELS conducts its ODL end-semester examinations within Tamil Nadu. Therefore, students living outside the state should consider examination locations when comparing VELS with other distance education universities.
Look at Student Support
VELS provides academic support through Personal Contact Programs, study materials, digital resources, and student communication channels. However, students should compare the support structure of each university before selecting a program.
Compare the Complete Admission Process
Finally, check eligibility, application requirements, ABC ID requirements, fees, and admission procedures. VELS requires an ABC ID for ODL admission, so students should compare these requirements with other universities before applying.
Why Students Still Choose VELS University Online & Distance Education
- Recognized ODL Programs: VELS University Online & Distance Education offers Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs recognized by UGC-DEB, providing students with a recognized pathway to higher education through distance learning.
- Flexible Learning: The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) format allows students to pursue higher education while managing work or other responsibilities, making distance learning a practical option for many learners.
- Multiple Program Options: VISTAS offers programs such as BBA, BCom, and MBA through Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Students can choose a program that aligns with their educational goals and career plans.
- Self-Learning Materials: VISTAS provides study materials in a Self-Instructional Material (SIM) format for its ODL programs, offering structured academic resources to support independent learning.
- Established Institution: VISTAS received deemed-to-be-university status in 2008 and operates through multiple schools and departments, providing an established institutional framework for its academic programs.
- Quality Assurance: VISTAS has established a Center for Internal Quality Assurance under the UGC ODL and Online Regulations to support quality assurance processes across its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) activities.
- Dedicated Learning Infrastructure: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) maintains academic, administrative, library, computer, and other support facilities for ODL activities, providing students with infrastructure dedicated to distance education.
- Useful for Different Learners: VISTAS's Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) aims to expand higher education opportunities for learners from diverse social, economic, and geographical backgrounds, supporting wider access to flexible learning options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students should compare program availability, learning mode, eligibility, fees, and UGC-DEB status before selecting an alternative. Additionally, checking the official UGC-DEB records helps confirm whether a university and its specific program hold the required recognition.
Students can use the official UGC-DEB website to verify recognized ODL institutions and programs. Moreover, the portal provides program-wise information, helping applicants compare suitable alternative colleges and universities based on their preferred course and study mode.
Yes, students can consider open universities offering recognized ODL programs. For example, the UGC-DEB lists institutions such as IGNOU and Tamil Nadu Open University. However, applicants should verify the specific program’s current recognition before admission.
Students can compare VELS University Online & Distance Education with other institutions by reviewing program options, recognition, eligibility, fees, and learning support. Therefore, applicants should refer to official university websites and the UGC-DEB portal before making a final choice.
Have questions about VELS courses, admission, fees, eligibility, or online and distance learning? The VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies Online & Distance Education FAQs page offers clear answers to common student queries. Review the FAQs to understand key details before beginning the application process.