Introduction
It is difficult for the students to choose which university to go to as there are so many of them with the same courses and similar amenities.
However, one must choose wisely as it is a stepping stone to one’s career. Students can compare the universities based on their individual needs and preferences.
IGNOU is a government university while Symbiosis School of Distance Learning (SCDL) is a private institution with its headquarters in New Delhi and Pune respectively.
Both the universities are recognized by AICTE respectively and are among the best distance learning universities in India. Both IGNOU and SCDL offer courses in a variety of disciplines.
Hence, we decided to compile the information regarding courses, fees, and admission procedures of both these universities to help you get to a conclusion.
IGNOU Vs SCDL: Key Differences
| Factors | IGNOU | SCDL |
| Location of Headquarter | New Delhi, Delhi | Pune |
| University Established Year | 1985 | 2001 |
| Ownership | Government | Private |
| Courses Offered | UG, PG, Diploma courses, doctorate, and M.Phil programs | UG, PG, and Certificate |
| Disciplines of Courses | IT, Education, Humanities, Commerce, and more | Management Programs, Information Technology, Education, Humanities and more |
| Approvals/Recognition | NCTE, AICTE | AICTE |
| NAAC Accreditation | Accredited by A++ Grade | Accredited by A Grade |
| Mode of Application | Online/Offline | Online/Offline |
| Admission Criteria | Merit-based | Merit-based |
| Mode of Fee Payment | Online/Offline | Online/Offline |
IGNOU Vs SCDL: Available Courses
Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of the largest distance universities in India with 67 regional centers across India. The university offers 227 courses across 21 different departments.
IGNOU offers various UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses as an open university. Since it is a government university, all the courses are affordable. Here is the list of major distance learning courses of IGNOU:-
| Courses | Fee | Eligibility | Duration |
| B. Ed | Rs 50,000 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 2-4 years |
| MBA | Rs 37,800 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 2-5 years |
| M. Ed | Rs 40,000 only | B. Ed passed | 2-4 years |
| B. lib. I. Sc. | Rs 6,000 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 3-6 years |
| MA | Rs 9,000 only | Passed Graduation | 2-5 years |
| BCA | Rs 40,200 only | Passed 10+2 | 3-6 years |
| M. Sc | Rs 33,600 only | Passed Graduation | 2-5 years |
| BA | Rs. 6,000 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| M.Com | Rs. 11,000 only | Graduation | 2 years |
| B.Tech | Rs. 20,000 only | 10 + 2 with Science | 4 years |
| BBA | Rs. 27,000 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| B.Sc | Rs. 12,500 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| MCA | Rs. 72,000 only | Graduation | 3 years |
| M.Tech | Rs. 2,75,000 | B.Tech/M.Sc/M.Sc | 2 years |
| B.Com | Rs. 8100 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) | Rs. 12,000 only | Graduation | 2 years |
Symbiosis College of Distance Learning is one of the largest distance learning institutes in India. SCDL offers PGDM, Diploma, and certificate courses across various fields.
SCDL is AICTE approved ISO 9001:2015. SCDL has been able to flourish not just in India but abroad as well. It has successfully opened its centers in countries like the US, UK, Russia. Here is the list of major distance learning programs of SCDL:-
| Courses | Fee | Eligibility |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Management | RS 50,000(per annum) | Graduation |
| PGDITM | Rs 50,000(per annum) | Graduation |
| CERTIFICATION | Rs 9,0000 only | – |
| PG DIPLOMA | Rs 50,000(per annum) | Graduation |
| DIPLOMA | Rs 35,000 only | – |
| PG CERTIFICATE | Rs 20,000 only | Graduation |
| PG PROGRAM | Rs 20,000(per annum) | – |
IGNOU Vs SCDL: Admission Procedure
The admission procedure for both IGNOU and SCDL is quite similar. For this, the students will have to visit the official website of the respective college. Given below are the steps that need to be followed to take admission in distance learning courses in any of the university:
- First, go to the official website of distance learning of the respective university.
- Fill in the registration form with the required valid information.
- Now, upload the scanned copies of the required documents in the prescribed format.
- After successful registration, pay the academic fee using the prescribed payment methods.
- The university will give you a confirmation email after this process if your application is accepted.
- After receiving the enrollment number, the students must remember to print the ID card from the portal.
IGNOU Vs SCDL: Fee Structure
The fee structure of both IGNOU and SCDL varies according to the courses and their program scheme. Distance students of both IGNOU and SCDL can submit their academic fees in both online and offline mode and even Demand Drafts are also acceptable in IGNOU.
The fee payment depends on the program scheme in both the universities. If the program scheme is semester-wise, then the fees must be paid before every semester while if the program is in yearly mode, then the fee has to be paid before every year. You can refer to the course-wise fee structure in the tables above.
IGNOU Vs SCDL: Facilities to Distance Students
Distance education is a facility in itself as it is an alternative of education for students who cannot attend regular classes due to any reason.
Distance Learning successfully crosses the barriers of place and time. Distance Universities offer all the possible services to their students to make distance education a successful alternative of education. Below are the facilities provided by IGNOU and SCDL respectively.
IGNOU
- Printed Self-study material
- IGNOU app to access e-content
- Access to e-content of library
- Online classes on Swayam
- Offline classes on weekends
SCDL
- Printed self-learning material/books and digital e-learning
- Faculty interaction- chat sessions
- Online Classroom
- Powerful web portal
- Computer-based assignment submission and examination booking
Conclusion
This blog includes a brief and quick comparison of all the important information about the IGNOU and the SCDL. Both these universities are some of the largest and the best in the country for distance education. The comparison in this blog will help you to make an informed choice.
