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IGNOU vs DU SOL: When it comes to distance learning, two very popular and prestigious institutions take the spot; IGNOU and DU SOL. Backed by the Central Government, both these institutions are known for their flexible learning environment, and deeper knowledge about courses, assignments and practicals, equal to regular colleges.
Students planning for distance learning generally encounter these questions; Is IGNOU better than DU SOL? Are IGNOU and DU SOL same? Do IGNOU and SOL offer the same level of education as in regular colleges? etc. In this article, we will discuss all these questions with a detailed comparison of IGNOU vs DU SOL.
Also read – IGNOU Marksheet 2023
IGNOU vs DU SOL
Indira Gandhi National Open University was established in 1985 under the Act of Parliament with the objective of building an inclusive knowledge environment via productive education. IGNOU has focused on improving its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) through quality education in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
The Delhi University School of Open Learning (DU SOL) was established in 1962 for students who wanted to pursue higher education while working. DU SOL operates under Delhi University and offers admission to a wide range of UG, PG, PhD, Diploma and Certificate programmes. The objective of DU SOL is to offer accessible and flexible learning in various courses.
It was in 1987 when IGNOU started admission to two academic courses: A diploma in Distance Education and a Diploma in Management, where more than 4500 students were enrolled. Since its establishment, IGNOU has done exceptionally well in offering education to students from various backgrounds, whether it be lower castes, wards of military personnel, or students belonging to the disability category.
On the other hand, DU SOL has gained popularity for promoting and offering higher education to students who could not get admission to regular college because of various reasons. There can be various reasons why a student is not able to attend regular college, such as daily commutation, family responsibilities, other interests and passions, etc. It is in their favour that DU SOL promotes open learning for students from all over the country.
The table below highlights a detailed comparison between IGNOU and DU SOL.
| Particulars | IGNOU | DU SOL |
| Last Date to Apply | 10th September 2023 | 30th September 2023 |
| Popular Courses | BCom, BEd, BSc, BBA, MSc Nursing, BA English, BpEd | MBA, Bachelor of Library and Information Science, MA Hindi, BA Programme |
| Average UG Tuition Fees (INR) | UG: 12,600 PG: 10,000 | UG: INR 9,000PG: INR 8,000 |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 certificate in related fieldPG: Graduation with 50% aggregate | UG: 10+2 certificate in related fieldPG: Graduation with 50% aggregate |
| Registration Fees | INR 200 | INR 500 |
| Departments | School of AgricultureSchool of HumanitiesSchool of Computer and Information SciencesSchool of Engineering and TechnologySchool of Foreign LanguagesSchool of Health SciencesSchool of Education | Department of CommerceDepartment of EconomicsDepartment of Political ScienceDepartment of EnglishDepartment of HindiExecutive DirectorDepartment of HistoryDepartment of Mathematics |
| Location | Pan India | Pan India |
Also read – Best Certificate Courses in IGNOU
Difference Between Regular and Distance Learning
Regular or traditional learning and distance learning are two distinct modes of education, offered by universities for students who have applied for admission. Both these modes of education have their advantages and characteristics, that students must consider when planning their higher education. The table below highlights key differences between regular and distance learning.
| Regular Learning | Distance Learning |
| Regular learning requires students to attend classes on a daily basis, where they have to be present physically in the classroom. | Distance or Remote Learning does not require students to be present physically in the classroom. |
| With this, students can have face-to-face interactions with their professors and classmates, where they can discuss their queries and doubts. | Regular learning requires students to attend classes daily, where they have to be present physically in the classroom. |
| Students studying regular courses have a fixed schedule for classes, exams and other activities related to academics. | Distance learning on the other hand offers more flexibility, as students can choose their own time and location from where they wish to attend classes remotely. With this, students can manage their education with other responsibilities. |
| Regular learning allows students to engage in real-time discussions, discuss questions and opinions and participate in on-campus activities. | Interactions in distance learning do not occur live or at the same time, via discussion boards, virtual meetings, emails, etc. Although this allows some flexibility, there are chances of a lack of immediate response from the officials, if any student needs guidance or they might not receive any response on time. |
FAQs
Both IGNOU and DU SOL are among the best options when it comes to distance learning. IGNOU is preferred by students who wish to have a good academic record, as there are various regional centres located in some of the top metropolitan cities in India. DU SOL is mostly preferred by students who are not able to be admitted to regular college or want to work and study at the same time. It is the individual candidate’s needs and requirements that make IGNOU better than SOL or vice versa.
IGNOU selection process requires students to apply for admission online on their official portal. Students will have to first complete registration and pay the registration fee, which is INR 200. For admission to DU SOL, students can apply online and offline and will have to pay a one-time registration fee, which is INR 500.
BA Programme fee at IGNOU is INR 10,500 to INR 17,400 and at DU SOL is INR 6,400 to INR 12,800.
This was all about the “How To Prepare for IGNOU Exam 2023?. For more such informative blogs, check out our IGNOU Admission & Student Help Centre Page, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian University page.