“Not everyone fits into the traditional school model, and the online programme provides another way for us to meet the diverse and often unique needs of our students.” – Pete Chapin, Director of Curriculum and Accountability, Lyon County School District

Distance Education was introduced in late 1858 when the University of London proposed a programme where teachers and students were present at different locations. In India, that breakthrough happened when Delhi University first introduced the concept of Open and Distance Learning in 1962, and with that distance education started to enlighten students across the nation. With time, the popularity of distance education increased, and students were excited to learn from the comfort of their homes. The demand for distance education  increased in 2020, that is during the pandemic, and the numbers are growing every day.

Today we will discuss distance education courses at Alagappa University (DDE), Tamil Nadu. Alagappa University is a UGC-recognised university established in the year 1985. The Directorate of Distance Education of the university was established in 1992. It offers UG and PG programmes in Arts, Science, Education and Management. The DDE also offers numerous innovative, job-oriented and certificate programmes in GST, Astrology, C Programming, etc. It also has a vast network of Learner Support Centres to provide quality services to the students. Through distance education, the university ensures that nothing can stop students from learning and getting an education from any part of the nation.

Highlights

• Semester Pattern for all Programmes
• Study Material
• Network of Learner Support Centres
• Personal Contact Programmes
• Adequate Hands-on Training in Computer Practicals
• Grievance Redressal System
• Multiple Examination Centres

Awards and Recognitions

• NAAC has awarded the university a prestigious ranking of A+
• The university has received Category 1 status from the UGC
• Secured 3rd position in ‘SWACHHTA’ Rankings

Admission Procedure

To secure admission to Alagappa University, the students have two options:

1. Direct Admission

Students need to fill the application form, attach the mentioned documents and make the payment.Then, the form and the documents should be sent to the university address. The directorate will confirm admission to the courses after verifying the documents.

List of Documents: 

• HSC/ Diploma Certificate
• Degree Certificate (For PG Course Admission)
• Passport Size Photographs
• Transfer Certificate

Accepted Modes of Payment: Demand Draft

Note: The students have to pay an additional amount of INR 150 as an ICT fee, per year, per programme.

2. Admission Through Learner Support Centres

Students need to fill out the application form, attach the mentioned documents, make the payment and submit it to the Learner Support Centre.

List of Documents: 

• HSC/Diploma Certificate
• Degree Certificate (For PG Course Admission)
• Passport Size Photographs
• Transfer Certificate

Accepted Modes of Payment: Demand Draft

Note: While taking admission through Learner Support Centres, two Demand Drafts need to be submitted. One in favour of the university for the application fee and the other in favour of the Learner Support Centre for the course fee.

The students have to pay an additional amount of INR 150 as an ICT fee, per year, per programme.

List of Distance Education Courses at Alagappa University

Undergraduate Programmes:

Course	Duration
1. Bachelor of Arts	3 Years
2. Bachelor of Science	3 Years
3. Bachelor of Computer Applications	3 Years
4. Bachelor of Commerce	3 Years
5. Bachelor of Business Administration	3 Years
6. Bachelor of Library and Information Science	1 Year
7. Bachelor of Education	2 Years

Postgraduate Programmes:

Course	Duration
1. Master’s in Arts	2 Years
2. Master’s in Science	2 Years
3. Master of Commerce	2 Years
4. Master of Business Administration	2 Years
5. Master of Library Science	1 Year

Postgraduate Diploma Programmes:

Course	Duration
1. PG Diploma in Computer Applications	1 Year
2. PG Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations	1 Year
3. PG Diploma in Hospital Administration	1 Year
4. PG Diploma in Human Resource Management	1 Year
5. PG Diploma in Business Management	1 Year
6. PG Diploma in Sports Management	1 Year
7. PG Diploma in Yoga	1 Year

Diploma Programme:

Course	Duration
1. Diploma in Montessori Education	1 Year
2. Diploma in Computer Applications	1 Year
3. Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	1 Year
4. Diploma in Cyber Security	1 Year

Certificate Programmes:

Course	Duration
1. Certificate Course in Library and Information Science	6 Months
2. Certificate Course in Gender Studies	6 Months
3. Certificate Course in C Programming	6 Months
4. Certificate Course in Computer Fundamentals	6 Months
5. Certificate Course in Web Design	6 Months
6. Certificate Course in GST	6 Months
7. Certificate Course in Astrology	6 Months
8. Certificate Course in Office Automation	6 Months

Distance Education UG Programmes at Alagappa University

1. Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts is a 3-year undergraduate programme. The BA degree is awarded to students who have completed a course of study in the arts or social sciences, including subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and foreign languages. BA degree emphasises on critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

Duration: 3 Years

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. OR, 3-year diploma from a recognised university.

Specialisations: Tamil, English, History, Economics, Public Administration

Annual Fee: INR 2,500

2. Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science is a 3-year undergraduate programme. The B.Sc. degree is awarded to students who have completed a course of study in the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or a technical field such as Engineering, Computer Science, or Health Sciences. The B.Sc. degree is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in scientific and technical knowledge and skills, including laboratory experience, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Duration: 3 Years

Specialisations: Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Psychology

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. OR, 3-year diploma from a recognised university.

Note: Must have studied Mathematics at 10+2 level in case of B.Sc. in Mathematics

Annual Fee: Mathematics INR 2,500. Information Technology INR 8,300. Computer Science INR 8,300. Psychology INR 2,500.

3. Bachelor of Computer Applications

Bachelor of Computer Applications is a 3-year undergraduate programme. The BCA degree is awarded to students who have completed a course in Software Testing, Web Design, Software Development, Computer Networking and Computer Systems. The degree is designed to provide students with skills in computer fundamentals and their application across various industries.

Duration: 3 Years

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. OR, 3-year diploma from a recognised university.

Annual Fee:INR 8,300

4. Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Commerce is a 3-year undergraduate programme. The B.Com. degree is awarded to students who have completed a course of study in business and commerce, including subjects such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship. The degree is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in business, emphasising practical skills such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

Duration: 3 Years

Specialisations: General, Computer Applications

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. OR, 3-year diploma from a recognised university.

Annual Fee: General INR 2,500. Computer Applications INR 4,400.

5. Bachelor of Management

Bachelor of Management is a 3-year undergraduate programme. The BBA degree is awarded to students who have completed a course of study in business and management, including subjects such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Operations, and Entrepreneurship. The BBA degree is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in the business world, emphasising management and leadership skills.

Duration: 3 Years

Specialisations: General, Banking

Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board. OR, 3-year diploma from a recognised university.

Annual Fee: General INR 2,500. Banking 2,500.

6. Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Bachelor of Library and Information Science is a 3-year undergraduate programme. It provides students with a foundation in library and information science principles and practices. The degree prepares students for positions in libraries, archives, and other information organisations.

Duration: 1 Year

Eligibility: Graduate in any field from a recognised university

Annual Fee: INR 4,200

7. Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Education is a 2-year undergraduate programme. The B.Ed. degree is awarded to students who have completed the study in education, including subjects such as Teaching Methods, Educational Psychology, Curriculum Design, and Classroom Management. It gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective teachers in various educational settings, including primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.

Duration: 2 Years

Eligibility: Graduate in any field from a recognised university (10+2+3 or 11+1+3 format). AND, Diploma in Teacher Education/ Diploma in Physical Education/ Bachelor of Physical Education/ Master of Physical Education. AND, Must be a Trained In-Service Teacher

Annual Fee: INR 20,000

Distance Education PG Programmes at Alagappa University

1. Masters of Arts

Masters of Arts is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It is awarded to students who have completed a programme of study in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or other Liberal Arts. An MA degree can be valuable in many fields, including Education, Public Policy, Journalism, Communications, and the Arts. It can also be a stepping stone to a doctoral degree in a related field.

Duration: 2 Years

Specialisations: Tamil, English, History, Sociology, Personnel Management and Industrial Relations, Child Care and Education, Economics, Journalism and Mass Communication, Education

Eligibility: Graduate in any field from a recognised university

Annual Fee: Tamil INR 5,000. English INR 5,000. History INR 5,000. Sociology INR 4,400. Personnel Management and Industrial Relations INR 5,000. Child Care and Education INR 5,000. Economics INR 4,400. Journalism and Mass Communication INR 5,000. Education INR 7,000.

2. Masters of Social Work

Master of Social Work is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It focuses on topics such as Human Growth & Development, Ideology & Ethics of Social Work, Poverty Reduction, Microfinance, and Micro Enterprises. It teaches students the benefits of social work and how to affect the growth of society through various social works.

Duration: 2 Years

Eligibility: For every specialisation, candidates should have a graduate degree in the respective fields.

Annual Fee: INR 11,000

3. Master of Science

Master of Science is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It focuses on the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, or Technology and typically involves coursework and research. M. Sc. degree includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. It also focuses on interdisciplinary fields like Environment, Neuroscience, and Data Science.

Duration: 2 Years

Specialisations: Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Psychology,  Microbiology, Home Science – Nutrition and Dietetics

Eligibility: For every specialisation, candidates should have a graduate degree in the respective field.

Annual Fee: Mathematics INR 4,400. Computer Science INR 14,300. Information Technology INR 14,300. Chemistry INR 20,000. Physics INR 20,000. Botany INR 20,000. Zoology INR 20,000. Psychology INR 6,100. Microbiology INR 20,000. Home Science – Nutrition and Dietetics INR 20,000

4. Master of Computer Applications

Master of Computer Application is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It focuses on multiple aspects of computers, such as Software Applications, Hardware Technology, System Development, System Engineering, Networking and much more. The degree provides in-depth knowledge to students related to computers and provides the necessary skills to work in the IT industry.

Duration: 2 Years

Eligibility: B.Sc. Degree in Mathematics / Statistics / Applied Sciences/ Computer Science / Information Technology.OR, B.Sc. Degree in Physics / Chemistry / Electronics as major subject and Mathematics as an ancillary subject.OR,B.C.A. / B.Com./ B.B.A. (or) qualification equivalent thereto.

The candidate must have studied Mathematics/ Statistics/ Business Mathematics at +2 level.

Annual Fee: INR 15,400

5. Master of Commerce

Master of Commerce is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It focuses on various aspects of commerce, including Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Business Management. The degree provides students with a solid understanding of business concepts and practices and analytical and problem-solving skills.

Duration: 2 Years

Specialisations: General, Finance & Control

Eligibility: BCom, BCom (CA), BCS, BCom (CS), BBM, BBA, BCom (CS&CA) from a recognized university.

Annual Fee: INR 4,400

6. Master of Management

Master of Management is a 2-year postgraduate programme. It is designed to provide students with a broad range of skills and knowledge in business and management. It is for individuals who want to develop management, leadership, and strategic thinking skills and involve a combination of coursework, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities.

Duration: 2 Years

Specialisations: General, International Business, Banking and Finance, Corporate Secretaryship, Project Management, Hospital Management, Human Resource Management, Tourism, Education Management, Retail Management, Technology Management, Logistics Management, Corporate Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, System Management, Production and Operations Management, Co-operative Management

Eligibility: Graduate in any field from a recognised university

Annual Fee: INR 13,200

7. Masters of Library Science

Masters of Library Science is a 1-year postgraduate programme. It provides students with advanced training in library and information science principles and practices. It prepares students for professional roles in libraries, archives, museums, and other information organisations.

Duration: 1 Year

Eligibility: Graduate in Library and Information Science

Annual Fee: INR 5,000

Placement Assistance

Alagappa University has taken necessary measures to conduct placement drives for students who opted for distance education. The university has instructed all the Learner Support Centres to conduct placement drives for students.

Benefits of Studying at Alagappa University

Studying at Alagappa University provides students with multiple perks. The university’s DDE ensures that students get the best education while sitting in the comfort of their homes. It encourages students not to stop learning at any cost and get the best possible education to create a better future.

There are several benefits of studying at Alagappa University. These are as follows:

• No tuition fee for disabled students
• Fee concession for special category students
• Centralised payment for all distance programmes
• All practical and Personal Contact Programmes are conducted under the same roof
• Book indexing for all DDE programmes
• Spot admission process
• Paperless and eco-friendly grievance redressal for distance students
• Special internal committee monitoring the quality of DDE

Summary

Name	Directorate of Distance Education, Alagappa University
Year of Establishment	1985
Founded By	Government of Tamil Nadu
Institution	State Government
Location	Tamil Nadu
Mode of Learning	Distance
Approvals	NAAC, NIRF and ARIIA
Examination Method	Pen and Paper

FAQs

1. Does Alagappa University offer distance education?

Alagappa University offers distance learning through the Directorate of Distance Education.

2. Can I do BEd in correspondence from Alagappa University?

Yes, Alagappa University provides BEd through its Department of Distance Education.

Tags: alagappa university, alagappa university DDE, distance education alagappa university