![Vardhman Mahaveer Open University - [VMOU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1740495729vmou.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) is a state open university established in 1987 by the Government of Rajasthan. Located in Kota, it is the only open and distance learning (ODL) university in Rajasthan and is recognised by UGC under the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). It is accredited by NAAC with a Grade A.
VMOU is too young and operates in a specialised ODL category where most major ranking bodies (NIRF University, India Today, The Week, Outlook) either do not rank or use separate ODL-specific criteria. The university participates in NIRF under the Open University category.
The university operates through a main campus in Kota and a network of 7 regional centres and 106 study centres spread across Rajasthan. It offers 70+ programmes from certificate to doctoral level, delivered entirely through distance and online modes.
VMOU programme portfolio spans arts, sciences, education, management, library science, and vocational disciplines:
- BA: 18 subjects including Economics, English, Hindi, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, and Rajasthani
- B.Sc: PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and PCB (Botany, Zoology, Chemistry) streams
- B.Ed: 2-year teacher education programme through entrance exam
- MA: 12 subjects including Economics, Hindi, History, Sociology, and Sanskrit
- MBA: 2-year management programme in distance mode
- M.Sc: 6 subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
- Diplomas and Certificates: Computer Applications, Library Science, Mass Communication, Yoga, Tourism, Accounting, and others
- Ph.D: 10 research disciplines
BA fees at VMOU are INR 17,600 for 3 years. B.Sc total fee is INR 43,100 to 44,800. MBA fee is INR 35,800 for 2 years. B.Ed total fee is INR 57,660. MA programmes are available from INR 12,100 for 2 years.
VMOU does not operate conventional campus hostels, consistent with its open and distance learning model.
VMOU Admission Dates 2026
VMOU runs two admission sessions annually: a July session (main) and a January session. The July 2026 session admissions have concluded across all UG and PG programmes. The January 2027 session is expected to open in November 2026 for most programmes.
| Event | July 2026 Session | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens (UG/PG) | July 1, 2026 | Concluded |
| Application Closes (UG/PG) | July 31, 2026 | Concluded |
| B.Ed Entrance Exam | June 9, 2026 | Concluded |
| Programme Commencement | August 2026 | In progress |
Tentative dates for the January 2027 session, applicable to most UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programmes, are shown below.
| Event | Tentative Date (January 2027 Session) |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | November 2026 |
| Application Closes | December 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | January 2027 |
VMOU Courses and Fees
VMOU offers 70+ programmes at certificate, diploma, UG, PG, and doctoral levels. All programmes are delivered in distance/online mode. Fees are among the lowest in any university in Rajasthan, designed to be accessible to working adults, rural students, and first-generation learners.
| Course | Duration | Mode | Total Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (standard subjects) | 3 years | Distance | 17,600 |
| BA (Geography, Home Science, Psychology) | 3 years | Distance | 23,700 |
| B.Sc (PCM) | 3 years | Distance | 43,100 |
| B.Sc (PCB) | 3 years | Distance | 44,800 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Distance (entrance exam required) | 57,660 |
| BJMC (Journalism) | 1 year | Distance | 11,000 |
| B.Lib.I.Sc | 1 year | Distance | 9,900 |
| MBA | 2 years | Distance | 35,800 |
| MA (standard subjects) | 2 years | Distance | 12,100 |
| MA (Geography) | 2 years | Distance | 18,000 |
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | 2 years | Distance | 15,200 |
| M.Sc (Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology) | 2 years | Distance | 34,900 |
| M.Sc (Computer Science) | 2 years | Distance | 37,500 |
| M.Com | 2 years | Distance | 12,400 |
| Diploma (DCA, Library, Mass Comm, Yoga) | 1 year | Distance | 4,300 to 9,600 |
| Ph.D (standard disciplines) | 3 years | Distance/Residential contact | 97,000 |
VMOU’s MBA programme at INR 35,800 for 2 years is one of the most affordable MBA options in Rajasthan. The university also offers unique programmes in Gandhi and Peace Studies (BA), Rajasthani language (BA and MA), and Vedic Karmkand (Certificate) that are not commonly available at other distance institutions.
VMOU Admission Process
VMOU admissions are open and direct for most programmes, requiring only the minimum eligibility criteria. There is no entrance exam for UG programmes except B.Ed. All applications are submitted online at online.vmou.ac.in.
UG Admission (BA, B.Sc, BJMC, B.Lib)
Eligibility for BA: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board. No minimum percentage requirement for most subjects. Eligibility for B.Sc: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). BJMC and B.Lib require 10+2 from any stream. Admission is direct with no entrance exam, merit list, or interview for these programmes.
B.Ed Admission
B.Ed at VMOU requires a graduation degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Candidates must have at least 2 years of teaching experience at a recognised school. Admission is through the VMOU B.Ed Entrance Examination, conducted annually in June. The entrance exam was held on June 9, 2026 for the 2026-27 session.
PG Admission (MA, M.Sc, MBA, M.Com)
MA programmes require a BA degree in the relevant subject. M.Sc requires a B.Sc degree in the relevant subject. MBA requires a graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. M.Com requires a B.Com degree. All PG admissions are direct (no entrance exam) based on graduation eligibility. Minimum aggregate for most PG programmes is 45% to 50%.
Ph.D Admission
Ph.D programmes at VMOU require a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks. Admission is through a VMOU Research Entrance Test (RET) followed by an interview. Research is conducted under approved supervisors across VMOU’s 10 research disciplines.
VMOU Placements and Career Outcomes
VMOU does not conduct conventional campus placements. As an open and distance learning institution, its student base is largely composed of working adults, government employees upgrading their qualifications, rural aspirants, and homemakers seeking formal degrees. Career outcomes are driven by employment improvement, promotion eligibility, and professional advancement rather than fresh placement.
As per NIRF 2025 data submitted by the university, 1,709 students reported employment outcomes during the 2024 reporting cycle. The reported median salary for 2-year UG programme completers was up to INR 9.0 LPA and for PG completers up to INR 5.0 LPA. These figures reflect self-reported data from enrolled students and include existing employment improvements rather than campus placement outcomes.
The most common career pathways for VMOU graduates include promotion in government and semi-government roles (teaching eligibility via B.Ed, library science via B.Lib), business and entrepreneurship improvement (via MBA and M.Com), and eligibility for state PSC examinations (via BA or B.Sc degree qualification). For rural Rajasthan aspirants, VMOU’s BA or B.Sc is often the first formal degree and opens government job eligibility doors.
VMOU Scholarships
VMOU students are eligible for state and central government scholarship schemes. The university also offers a fee waiver programme for SC/ST students from Rajasthan under state government norms.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Govt. SC/ST Fee Concession | SC/ST students from Rajasthan with income limit | Full or partial fee reimbursement |
| Central Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | SC/ST/OBC students with applicable income limits | As per Ministry norms |
| PM-USP Minority Scholarship | Minority students, 80% in 10+2, income below INR 4.5 Lakhs | INR 82,000 per year |
| Rajasthan Govt. EBC Scheme | Economically Backward Class, income below INR 2.5 Lakhs | Tuition fee reimbursement |
Applications for scholarships are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Rajasthan SSO portal. VMOU students with pre-existing government scholarships may carry their entitlement to the university through the relevant state scholarship directorate.
VMOU Campus and Infrastructure
VMOU’s main campus is located in Kota, Rajasthan, and houses administrative offices, the university library, examination departments, and academic departments for contact sessions and research supervision. As an open university, the main campus serves administrative and coordination functions rather than hosting daily student instruction.
The university operates 7 regional study centres (including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bharatpur) and 106 learner support centres across Rajasthan. These centres provide access to study material distribution, examination registration, and periodic contact sessions for programmes that require face-to-face interaction (such as B.Ed practical components). There is no residential hostel facility at VMOU, consistent with its ODL model.
Study material for all programmes is provided through printed self-learning materials (SLMs) dispatched by post, supplemented by online content through VMOU’s e-learning portal. Examination centres are spread across Rajasthan, allowing students to appear for semester-end exams close to their home districts.
VMOU vs IGNOU vs YCMOU
Distance learning aspirants in India often compare VMOU with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for national-reach programmes and with Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) for another state open university benchmark. All three are UGC-DEB recognised ODL institutions.
| Parameter | VMOU Kota | IGNOU Delhi | YCMOU Nashik |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | State open university (Rajasthan) | Central open university (National) | State open university (Maharashtra) |
| Established | 1987 | 1985 | 1989 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A++ | A |
| Reach | Rajasthan only (106 study centres) | Pan-India (3,000+ study centres) | Maharashtra only (500+ centres) |
| BA Total Fees | INR 17,600 | Approx. INR 9,000 to 12,000 | Approx. INR 8,000 to 15,000 |
| MBA Total Fees | INR 35,800 | Approx. INR 40,000 to 50,000 | Approx. INR 30,000 to 40,000 |
| Programme Count | 70+ | 200+ | 100+ |
IGNOU offers the widest programme portfolio with national reach and NAAC A++ accreditation, making it the strongest choice for aspirants who want maximum programme variety and portability. VMOU is the right choice for Rajasthan-domicile learners who need study centres close to home and prefer programmes in Rajasthani language and Rajasthan-specific curriculum. YCMOU serves Maharashtra learners similarly. For VMOU students, all degrees carry UGC recognition valid for government job applications across India.
VMOU FAQs
Ques. Is VMOU degree valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. VMOU is recognised by UGC and approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). Degrees from VMOU are valid for government job applications across India, including state PSC exams, central government recruitment, and teaching eligibility (TET/CTET with B.Ed). VMOU is NAAC Grade A accredited.
Ques. What is the BA fee at VMOU Kota?
Ans. The total BA fee at VMOU is INR 17,600 for the standard 3-year programme in most subjects. For BA in Geography, Home Science, and Psychology, the total fee is INR 23,700 for 3 years. All programmes are in distance mode.
Ques. How do I take admission to VMOU?
Ans. VMOU admissions are done online at online.vmou.ac.in. For most UG and PG programmes, admission is direct. You select the programme, upload documents, pay the fee online, and receive study material by post. The July session typically opens in July and closes by July 31. The January session opens in November. B.Ed is the only programme that requires a separate entrance exam.
Ques. Does VMOU have hostel facilities?
Ans. No. VMOU does not operate residential hostels. As an open and distance learning university, its students study from their home locations. The university provides study material through post and online platforms, and examination centres are spread across Rajasthan so students can appear for exams close to their homes.
Ques. Is VMOU better than IGNOU?
Ans. Both are UGC-recognised ODL universities with valid degrees. IGNOU offers a larger programme catalogue (200+ programmes), wider reach (3,000+ study centres across India), and NAAC A++ accreditation. VMOU is the right choice for Rajasthan-based students who need study centres near home and want programmes in Rajasthani language or local curriculum. For national portability and programme variety, IGNOU has an edge.
Ques. What is the VMOU B.Ed admission process?
Ans. B.Ed at VMOU requires a graduation degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience at a recognised school. Admission is through the VMOU B.Ed Entrance Examination, held annually in June. The 2026-27 B.Ed entrance exam was held on June 9, 2026. The total B.Ed fee is INR 57,660 for 2 years in distance mode.
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For the B.Lib.I.Sc diploma/degree programme at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) in 2026, the last date to apply for the January session is 28 February 2026, if you are using the current cycle, and there may be a second cycle until 31 August 2026 for the July session applications.
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, offers a B.Sc. programme with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) specialization through its open/distance learning mode. Admission for the January 2026 cycle started. The last date is around January 2026 ( tentatively 31 Jan 2026) based on 10+2 science merit, and no entrance exam is required.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota is a 3-year undergraduate program open to students who have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. The total fee for the BA program ranges from around INR 5,800 to INR 23,700, depending on the specialisation chosen. Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota is a 3-year undergraduate program open to students who have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. The total fee for the BA program ranges from around INR 5,800 to INR 23,700, depending on the specialisation chosen.
The VMOU admission form for the January 2026 session is expected to be available soon on the official VMOU website. The exact start date has not yet been officially announced on the university’s portal.
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, offers a Diploma in Library and Information Science (DLIS), which is a librarian diploma course in the distance/part-time mode. The course duration is 1 year, and eligibility requires a 10+2 pass or equivalent to apply. The total fee for this DLIS program is around INR 4,500
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, offers a Master of Arts in Hindi. The M.A. Hindi is a two-year postgraduate programme. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
M.A. Hindi from VMOU can open paths in teaching, translation, content writing, journalism, civil services, and research in Hindi literature or media. The flexible distance-learning format also makes it suitable for working professionals, homemakers or those unable to attend regular college.
Yes, it may be possible to complete your remaining M.Sc. semesters through Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, but it depends on transfer/lateral-entry rules and subject equivalence. VMOU allows students from other universities to apply for continuation or credit transfer if their completed courses match VMOU’s syllabus. You must submit your previous semester mark sheets, syllabus, and transcripts for evaluation. Approval is subject to VMOU’s academic council, and you may need to meet additional requirements or exams before completing the final two semesters.
VMOU offers the BA as a 3-year part-time degree program designed for students who wish to pursue higher education while balancing work or other commitments. The program provides flexibility, affordability, and a wide range of specializations, making it one of the most popular UG courses at VMOU. VMOU BA General, English, and Mathematics Fees are INR 17,400 for the entire program.
There is a difference in the course fees for the BA program at VMOU, which are divided into two categories:
There is no specific date for when VMOU (Vardhman Mahaveer Open University) scholarship disbursements are released. The university’s official site lists general info about scholarships.
For the Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, the admission window for the 2025-26 July session was open and has closed, with the last date being around 15 September 2025.
You must have done a graduation in the relevant field for the MA admission. Interested aspirants can apply online on the VMOU official website @online.vmou.ac.in/onlineadmission.aspx. Application forms can either be submitted online or in person at the respective regional centre?
VMOU MA Geography is offered as 2 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for MA are Graduation. The total fees for VMOU MA Geography are INR 13,400 for the complete course duration. The candidate seeking admission to the 2 Year Correspondence MA Program must have done Graduation in a relevant field from a recognised College/University. Interested aspirants can apply online on the VMOU official website @online.vmou.ac.in/onlineadmission.aspx.
Yes, you can switch from a regular M.Sc. Computer Science program to a private mode at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, subject to eligibility and university approval. You must apply for migration or fresh enrollment, submitting your previous semester's marksheets and necessary documents within the university’s specified deadline.
You can regsiter and download the brochure for the detailed information about the course.
Yes, as a B.Tech Computer Science graduate, you are eligible to apply for M.Sc in Mathematics at VMOU, provided you studied Mathematics as a subject during your graduation. Admission is generally merit-based.
Yes, with 48% marks in B.A., you are eligible to apply for the MBA program at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota. VMOU requires that the candidates have passed a bachelor’s degree.
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, does not offer a standard LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law) degree through either regular or distance mode
The details of the Diploma in Library and Information Science course are mentioned below:
The last date for fresh admission at Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) for the January 2026 session has been extended to February 19, 2026. This deadline applies to most undergraduate (BA, BSc, BCom), postgraduate (MA, MSc, MCom), diploma, and certificate programs, as well as MBA and B.Ed. promotee forms.
The last date for fresh admission at Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) for the January 2026 session has been extended to February 19, 2026. This deadline applies to most undergraduate (BA, BSc, BCom), postgraduate (MA, MSc, MCom), diploma, and certificate programs, as well as MBA and B.Ed. promotee forms.
The fee for the BA courses ranges between INR 5,800 - 7,800 (1st Year Fees). You must have passed Senior Secondary (10+2) examination from a recognized Board OR Passed BAP/BCP/BSCP examination from VMOU or equivalent.