University of Kerala, School of Distance Education (IDEKU) is a state university-run distance learning school established in 1976, operating under the University of Kerala, which was founded in 1937 and is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The SDE is approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC ODL Regulations 2020. The parent university holds a NAAC A++ grade and functions as a teaching-cum-affiliating university under the Government of Kerala, recognised by the UGC.
The parent University of Kerala is ranked 25 in the NIRF University Rankings 2025, placing it among the top state universities in India. In NIRF 2024, it held the 21st rank in the University category nationally.
The SDE administrative office is housed on the University of Kerala’s Kariavattom campus, a 360-acre campus in Thiruvananthapuram. Distance learners access examinations and contact sessions through a network of study centres distributed across the state.
IDEKU offers 26 programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate level in open and distance learning (ODL) mode, spanning arts, commerce, science, library science, and management:
- BA in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Malayalam, Political Science, and Sociology (3 years)
- B.Com and B.Com (Computer Applications) (3 years each)
- BCA and B.Sc (Mathematics) (3 years each)
- B.Lib.I.Sc (1-year Library Science programme)
- MA in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Malayalam, Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology (2 years)
- MBA, M.Com, and M.Sc in Mathematics and Computer Science (2 years each)
- M.Lib.I.Sc (1-year Master of Library and Information Science)
Total fees for BA programmes is INR 63,280 for the full 3-year programme. MBA total fees are INR 1,70,000 for two years. BCA and B.Com (Computer Applications) carry total fees of INR 1,28,800 each.
IDEKU Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to IDEKU programmes for the 2026 academic session have concluded. The application window closed on 30 September 2026. Candidates who applied must complete hard-copy document submission within 10 days of the online application deadline. The next admission cycle for the 2027 session is tentatively expected to open in June 2027.
| Event | 2026 Session (Concluded) | 2027 Session (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 2026 | June 2027 |
| Application Window Opens | July 2026 | July 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 | September 2027 |
| Hard Copy Submission | Within 10 days of online deadline | Within 10 days of online deadline |
| Programme Commencement | October to November 2026 | October to November 2027 |
Admission to all IDEKU programmes is merit-based with no entrance examination. The course-wise mode of delivery is listed below for reference.
| Course Family | Exam Accepted | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Com / B.Sc / BCA / B.Lib.I.Sc | No entrance exam - merit in 10+2 or qualifying degree | Distance / ODL |
| MA / M.Com / M.Sc / M.Lib.I.Sc | No entrance exam - merit in Bachelor’s degree | Distance / ODL |
| MBA | No entrance exam - merit in Bachelor’s degree | Distance / ODL |
IDEKU Courses and Fees
IDEKU offers 26 programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate level through the ODL mode. Total programme fees range from INR 22,960 for B.Lib.I.Sc to INR 1,70,000 for the MBA. All fees listed below are total programme fees under the General quota, sourced from the university’s fee schedule for 2026.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (7 specialisations) | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognised board | INR 63,280 |
| B.Com | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognised board | INR 63,280 |
| B.Com (Computer Applications) | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognised board | INR 1,28,800 |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognised board | INR 1,28,800 |
| B.Sc (Mathematics) | 3 years | 10+2 with Mathematics | INR 78,400 |
| B.Lib.I.Sc | 1 year | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 22,960 |
| MA (8 specialisations) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject | INR 86,800 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com or equivalent | INR 86,800 |
| MBA | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 1,70,000 |
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | 2 years | B.Sc with Mathematics | INR 86,800 |
| M.Sc (Computer Science) | 2 years | B.Sc / BCA / B.Tech in relevant discipline | INR 1,03,600 |
| M.Lib.I.Sc | 1 year | B.Lib.I.Sc degree | INR 53,200 |
The BA is offered in seven specialisations: Economics, English, Hindi, History, Malayalam, Political Science, and Sociology. The MA programme covers eight specialisations, including Public Administration, which is not offered by many other distance learning institutions in Kerala. The BBA programme is not offered by IDEKU in distance mode.
IDEKU Admission Process
All IDEKU admissions are conducted through the online portal at ideku.net. No separate entrance examination is held for any programme. Candidates are selected on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination, and seats are allotted in order of merit within each course and study centre.
Undergraduate Programmes (BA, B.Com, BCA, B.Sc, B.Lib.I.Sc)
- Eligibility: Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks. For B.Lib.I.Sc, a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university is required.
- For B.Sc (Mathematics): Mathematics must have been studied at the 10+2 level.
- Selection: Merit in qualifying examination. No group discussion or interview is conducted.
- Process: Online application on the IDEKU portal, upload of documents (qualifying marksheets, ID proof, ABC ID, DEB ID), payment of application fee, and allotment of study centre by the university.
Postgraduate Programmes (MA, M.Com, MBA, M.Sc, M.Lib.I.Sc)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UGC-recognised university with a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate.
- MBA eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. No prior work experience is required for the distance MBA.
- M.Lib.I.Sc eligibility: B.Lib.I.Sc or equivalent degree from a recognised university.
- M.Sc (Computer Science) eligibility: B.Sc, BCA, or B.Tech in Computer Science or a related discipline.
- Selection: Merit in qualifying degree. No entrance exam is held for any PG programme.
All admitted students must obtain a valid ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) and DEB ID before completing enrollment, as mandated by UGC ODL Regulations 2020 for all distance learners in India. Candidates who have completed their qualifying examination through ODL or correspondence from a recognised university are also eligible to apply.
IDEKU Campus and Study Centres
The School of Distance Education functions from the University of Kerala’s Kariavattom campus in Thiruvananthapuram. The main university campus spans 360 acres and includes central library facilities, research centres, and administrative buildings. The university library holds over 2 lakh volumes and is accessible to registered ODL learners for reference support.
IDEKU does not have a dedicated residential campus. Programmes are delivered through a network of authorised study centres spread across Kerala’s districts. Contact classes and examinations are conducted at these study centres. Assignment submissions and other academic interactions are managed through the IDEKU online portal and the designated study centre in each region. There are no hostel facilities attached to the SDE, as the mode of study does not require regular on-campus attendance.
IDEKU vs MG University SDE vs IGNOU
Aspirants from Kerala considering distance and ODL programmes commonly evaluate IDEKU alongside Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Distance Education (MGU SDE) from Kottayam and IGNOU, the national open university. The comparison below covers parameters most relevant to admission decisions.
| Parameter | IDEKU (Kerala University SDE) | MG University SDE | IGNOU |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDE Established | 1976 | 1993 | 1985 |
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Kottayam, Kerala | New Delhi (national) |
| UGC-DEB Approved | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NAAC Grade (Parent University) | A++ (Kerala University) | A+ (MG University) | A++ (IGNOU) |
| Parent University NIRF 2025 | 25 (University category) | Not in top 50 (University) | 1 (Open University category) |
| BA Total Fees | INR 63,280 | INR 46,200 (approx) | INR 8,700 to 12,000 |
| MBA Total Fees | INR 1,70,000 | INR 1,20,000 (approx) | INR 63,000 to 80,000 |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Malayalam | English and Malayalam | English and Hindi (primarily) |
IDEKU offers the advantage of a NAAC A++ parent university with bilingual support in Malayalam and English, making it the preferred option for Kerala-based learners who value regional recognition. IGNOU provides a significant fee advantage and a broader course catalogue, while MGU SDE caters primarily to candidates in central Kerala. All three are UGC-DEB approved and their degrees are valid for employment and further study across India.
IDEKU FAQs
Ques. Is the University of Kerala School of Distance Education (IDEKU) UGC-DEB approved?
Ans. Yes, IDEKU is approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of the University Grants Commission (UGC). All programmes are recognised under UGC ODL Regulations 2020, and degrees awarded are equivalent to regular university degrees for employment and higher education purposes.
Ques. When does IDEKU admission 2027 open?
Ans. IDEKU admission for the 2027 session is tentatively expected to open in June 2027. The official notification is released on the IDEKU portal at ideku.net. The application window typically remains open through September of the admission year.
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for IDEKU MBA?
Ans. No. Admission to the IDEKU MBA is merit-based, with no entrance examination required. Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Seats are allotted in order of merit in the qualifying degree.
Ques. What is the total fee for IDEKU BA?
Ans. The total programme fee for a BA at IDEKU is INR 63,280 for the General quota, covering the full 3-year duration. Specialisations available include Economics, English, Hindi, History, Malayalam, Political Science, and Sociology.
Ques. Is there hostel facility at IDEKU?
Ans. IDEKU is a distance and ODL institution. It does not have dedicated hostel or residential facilities. Students are not required to stay on campus. Programmes are delivered through study centres across Kerala, and attendance is required only for contact sessions and examinations at the allotted study centre.
Ques. Is a degree from University of Kerala distance education valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. Degrees awarded by IDEKU (University of Kerala, School of Distance Education) are valid for government service, public sector employment, and competitive examinations in India. The institution is UGC-DEB approved and degrees carry the name and seal of the University of Kerala, a UGC-recognised state university.
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of University of Kerala?
Ans. The University of Kerala is ranked 25 in the NIRF University Rankings 2025. In 2024, it held rank 21 in the same category. This ranking is for the university as a whole, which includes the School of Distance Education.
Ques. Does IDEKU offer BBA in distance mode?
Ans. No. IDEKU does not currently offer a BBA in distance mode. The closest programmes available are BA (with Economics or Sociology as specialisation) and the postgraduate MBA for candidates who already hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Comments
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For B.Com admission at the University of Kerala Institute of Distance Education (IDEKU) in 2025, the application window runs from mid-November to 31 December 2025 for the January (odd) session. For 2026, IDEKU admissions are expected to open in early March 2026 and continue until around 31 May 2026 for the next academic session. Applications must be submitted online through the official distance education portal.
Admission to BBA at the University of Kerala is based on merit in 10+2 marks through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Candidates must register online, submit preferences, and attend allotment rounds. Some affiliated colleges may consider entrance scores. Document verification and fee payment confirm the admission successfully.
Click on the below link to get the course-wise duration of Kerala University Distance Education alongwith their fee structures
Link: Kerala University School of Distance Education Courses and Fees
You need to have a maximum of 23 years to be eligible for admission at Kerala University.
Yes, the School of Distance Education, University of Kerala degree courses are valid all over India in any government examinations.
Contact number?
The contact number of Kerala University School of Distance Education is 9188526671.
The fee for University of Kerala [Distance] ranges from 6K to 45K annually based on the course you choose. Check out Courses & Fees at for more info
Yes, Candidates should have passed Bachelor Degree/P.G Degree Examination in any discipline conducted by the University of Kerala or any other examinations recognized as equivalent thereto of any Indian or Foreign University with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
Yes, the University of Kerala School of Distance Education offers B.Ed. in distance mode to the students.
University of Kerala Distance Education offers numerous courses and the fee structure varies for each. To read more click here University of Kerala Fees Structure
The average fee at the University of Kerala, School of Distance Education is 20,000 to 30,000 INR annually. Check out various Courses & Fees at the University of Kerala
The admission process for Kerala Univerity will start in June 2023. You can check the official website of the college to know more.
The admissions for session 2023-24 will start in June 2023. You can check the official site to know more.
As per the current information the admissions at University of Kerala for distance education will start in June 2023. You may check the official website to know more about it.
University of Kerala does not offer course in science treams but you can still get masters degree as per you choice from the courses available here. You can check here to know about courses available at University of Kerala. University of Kerala Courses
MBA at University of Kerala is a 2 years, distance course with INR 41,175 of totals fees. Candidates who want to get admission in MBA should have passed Bachelor Degree/P.G Degree Examination in any discipline conducted by the University of Kerala or any other examinations recognized as equivalent thereto of any Indian or Foreign University with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. You may check here to know more about the course. University of Kerala MBA
You can visit the page Kerala University Thiruvananthapuram Info and navigate to “Download Brochure” and apply for it, after which it will be sent to your mail id.
You can check here to know about fees as per the courses offered at University of Kerala. University of Kerala Courses and Fees
Check here to know about placement details. Univerity of Kerala Placement
It depends on the course you opt for at Kerala University. While bachelor courses are of 3 years, master courses takes 2 years, and so on. You can check here to know more. University of Kerala Courses
To apply for B.Sc [Chemistry] or B.Com, you need to visit the official website and fill out the application form by selecting the course. A fee of INR 250 is to be paid on the completion of the form.