![Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University - [UPRTOU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1593530910uprtoulogo.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) is a state open university established in 1999 under the UPRTOU Act 1999 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Named after freedom fighter and educationist Rajarshi Purushottam Das Tandon, the university is headquartered in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. UPRTOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and operates exclusively through the distance education mode. All its programmes are delivered through printed study material, regional study centres, and online resources integrated with SWAYAM.
As per NIRF Open University Rankings 2025, UPRTOU holds Rank 3 among all open universities in India, reflecting its standing in academic quality, research, and student reach within the ODL sector. The university is also accredited by NAAC with a B+ Grade.
UPRTOU operates through a network of regional study centres across Uttar Pradesh, including centres in Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Jhansi, and more. Students attend study centres for contact sessions and examinations but do not reside on a traditional residential campus.
- Undergraduate programmes: BA (History, Political Science, Sociology, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Home Science), B.Com, B.Sc (Maths, Computer Science, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry), BCA, BBA, B.Lib.I.Sc., B.Ed
- Postgraduate programmes: MA (multiple streams), M.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Sc (Maths, Computer Science), M.Ed, MLIS
- PG Diplomas and Diplomas: PGDCA, PG Diploma in Yoga, Journalism, GST, Child Care, and other vocational areas
- Certificate programmes: 6-month and 1-year certificates across computing, health, language, and vocational areas
- PhD programmes across disciplines, with entrance conducted by the university
- 130+ programmes in total across Schools of Sciences, Humanities, Management, Education, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Vocational Studies
Annual fees at UPRTOU are among the lowest in the university system. BA and B.Com programmes cost INR 4,500 to 6,000 per year. The MBA and MCA cost INR 18,000 to 20,000 per year. The B.Ed programme is priced at INR 32,600 for the full two-year duration.
UPRTOU students are eligible for government scholarship schemes including UP State Post-Matric Scholarship, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships, and NSP-linked minority and SC/ST scholarships, making higher education accessible to working professionals and economically weaker sections.
UPRTOU Admission Dates 2026
UPRTOU conducts admissions for most UG and PG programmes through a direct online application process, without a university entrance test (except for B.Ed, B.Ed Special Education, and PhD). Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open, with the general deadline of August 15, 2026. B.Ed admissions are entrance-based and follow a separate schedule.
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Online Application Portal (General UG/PG) | Open |
| Last Date to Apply (Most Programmes) | August 15, 2026 |
| B.Ed / B.Ed Special Education Entrance Test | Conducted separately via entrance.uprtouexam.in |
| PhD Entrance Test Registration | Via uprtouphd.co.in (separate schedule) |
| Application Fee | INR 500 for general programmes and INR 1,000 for entrance-based programmes |
| Academic Session Start | August to September 2026 |
The table below lists accepted entry routes for the major programme families at UPRTOU for the 2026-27 cycle. Most programmes admit on the basis of qualifying examination merit without a separate entrance test.
| Programme Family | Entry Route | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Com / B.Sc / BCA / BBA | Merit-based (no entrance test) | 10+2 from a recognised board |
| B.Ed | UPRTOU B.Ed Entrance Test | Graduation with 50% (45% SC/ST) |
| MA / M.Com / M.Sc | Merit-based (no entrance test) | Graduation in relevant stream with 40-50% marks |
| MBA | Merit-based (no entrance test) | Graduation in any stream with 50% marks |
| MCA | Merit-based (no entrance test) | Graduation with Mathematics as a subject |
| PGDCA / PG Diplomas | Merit-based | Graduation in any stream |
| PhD | UPRTOU PhD Entrance Test | PG degree with 55% (50% for SC/ST/PwD) |
UPRTOU Courses and Fees
UPRTOU offers 130+ programmes across Certificate, Diploma, UG, PG, and Doctoral levels in distance learning mode. Annual fees are among the lowest in India’s university system, making UPRTOU accessible to working professionals, rural students, and those balancing work and study. The table below covers major programmes with annual and total fees.
| Course | Duration | Annual Fee | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA | 3 years | INR 4,500 to 5,500 | INR 13,500 to 16,500 |
| B.Com | 3 years | INR 4,500 to 6,000 | INR 13,500 to 18,000 |
| B.Sc | 3 years | INR 8,000 to 9,500 | INR 24,000 to 28,500 |
| BCA / BBA | 3 years | INR 13,000 to 15,000 | INR 39,000 to 45,000 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | INR 16,300 | INR 32,600 |
| B.Lib.I.Sc. | 1 year | INR 9,500 | INR 9,500 |
| MA | 2 years | INR 8,500 to 10,000 | INR 17,000 to 20,000 |
| M.Com | 2 years | INR 9,000 | INR 18,000 |
| MBA | 2 years | INR 18,000 to 20,000 | INR 36,000 to 40,000 |
| MCA | 2 years | INR 18,000 to 20,000 | INR 36,000 to 40,000 |
| M.Sc | 2 years | INR 10,000 to 14,000 | INR 20,000 to 28,000 |
| PGDCA | 1 year | INR 15,200 | INR 15,200 |
| PG Diploma / Diploma | 1 year | INR 4,200 to 8,200 | INR 4,200 to 8,200 |
| Certificate Courses | 6 months | INR 2,200 to 5,700 | INR 2,200 to 5,700 |
In addition to programme fees, students pay an exam fee of INR 150 to 200 per paper per semester. Practical or lab fees (INR 200 to 500 per subject) apply for science and computer programmes. The BA programme is the most popular by enrolment, with over a dozen humanities and social science specialisations. The MA programme covers History, Hindi, English, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Sanskrit, Geography, Psychology, and Home Science.
UPRTOU Admission Process
UG Programme Admission (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BCA, BBA)
Most UG programmes at UPRTOU admit on merit in the qualifying examination, without a university-level entrance test. The minimum eligibility is a 10+2 pass certificate from any recognised board.
- Application submitted online at uprtou.ac.in with application fee of INR 500
- Documents required: 10+2 marksheet, identity proof, photograph
- Admission confirmed on payment of first-year programme fee
- Study material dispatched to registered address after admission confirmation
Students choose a regional study centre at the time of admission. Contact sessions (personal contact programme or PCP) are held at study centres periodically, and term-end examinations are conducted at designated exam centres.
B.Ed Admission
The B.Ed programme at UPRTOU is entrance-based. Candidates must have a graduation degree (with teaching subjects) and score at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC). Admission is through the UPRTOU B.Ed Entrance Test conducted at entrance.uprtouexam.in.
- Two-year programme following the NCTE-prescribed curriculum for in-service teachers
- Primarily designed for teachers already employed in schools seeking a formal B.Ed degree
- Selection: Merit in entrance test, eligibility verification, and study centre allotment
PG Programme Admission (MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MBA, MCA)
PG admissions are merit-based with no entrance test for most programmes. Eligibility for MA, M.Com, and M.Sc is graduation in a relevant subject with 40% to 50% marks depending on the programme. MBA eligibility is graduation in any stream with 50% marks. MCA requires graduation with Mathematics as a subject.
- Online application at uprtou.ac.in with INR 500 application fee
- Study material dispatched on admission confirmation
- Students complete projects and assignments alongside study material-based self-learning
PhD Admission
PhD admissions are entrance-based. Candidates need a PG degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD). The PhD entrance test is conducted separately via uprtouphd.co.in. Qualified candidates are then matched with a research supervisor from the university’s faculty pool. Research is conducted in ODL mode with periodic meetings with the supervisor.
UPRTOU Rankings
UPRTOU is consistently ranked among India’s top three open universities in national rankings. Its performance in NIRF reflects strong student outreach, diversity indicators, and learning resource quality within the ODL sector. The university’s NAAC B+ accreditation reflects an assessed quality baseline across teaching, research, and institutional processes.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Open Universities | 3 | 3 |
| NAAC | Accreditation | B+ Grade | B+ Grade |
UPRTOU ranks 3rd in India among all open universities in NIRF 2025, behind IGNOU (Rank 1) and Karnataka State Open University (Rank 2). The ranking evaluates teaching and learning resources, research output, graduation outcomes, inclusive reach, and perception. UPRTOU’s strong performance on inclusive reach (serving rural and first-generation learners across UP) contributes significantly to its NIRF score.
UPRTOU Scholarships
UPRTOU students are eligible for a range of central and state government scholarship schemes applicable to students in recognised UGC-approved institutions. The university does not levy high fees, making its programmes inherently accessible. Additional government financial support is available for eligible students.
| Scholarship / Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UP State Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC students of UP domicile enrolled in recognised institutions including ODL | As per Government of UP scholarship norms |
| Central Sector Scholarship (NSP) | Merit-based, family income up to INR 8 Lakhs per annum, 80%+ in Class 12 | As per Central Sector Scheme norms |
| NSP Minority Scholarship | Students from minority communities as defined by Government of India, enrolled in recognised ODL programmes | As per Ministry of Minority Affairs norms |
| Disabled Scholarship (DEPwD) | Students with benchmark disabilities enrolled in UGC-approved ODL programmes | INR 30,000 to 50,000 per year depending on programme level |
Scholarship applications for all government schemes are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Students must ensure their admission and institution registration details are verified on NSP before applying. The university’s welfare cell assists students in linking their enrolment to the relevant scholarship schemes.
UPRTOU Study Centres and Infrastructure
UPRTOU’s main administrative campus is located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Being a distance education university, it does not operate as a residential campus. Instead, it maintains a network of regional study centres and exam centres across Uttar Pradesh to bring academic support close to learners. Study centres are located in Lucknow, Varanasi, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Jhansi, Agra, and several other districts, enabling students from across the state to access contact sessions and examinations without relocating to Prayagraj.
The university delivers study material through the post to admitted students and offers supplementary digital resources via SWAYAM, India’s national MOOCs platform. Students can access video lectures, e-content, and online quizzes aligned with UPRTOU’s curriculum through the SWAYAM portal. The university also maintains an online portal for application submission, fee payment, examination registration, and result access.
Term-end examinations are conducted at recognised exam centres mapped to each study centre. Practical components for science and computer programmes are conducted at designated study centres under faculty supervision. The university has a welfare and grievance cell at the main campus in Prayagraj for student support and redressal.
UPRTOU vs IGNOU vs VMOU
Students considering distance education in northern India compare UPRTOU with IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota. All three are UGC-recognised open universities offering ODL programmes at affordable fees. Key differences lie in programme scale, geographic reach, NIRF ranking, and academic affiliation type.
| Parameter | UPRTOU | IGNOU | VMOU Kota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1999 | 1985 | 1987 |
| Type | State Open University (UP) | Central Open University | State Open University (Rajasthan) |
| NIRF Open University (2025) | Rank 3 | Rank 1 | Not in top 3 |
| NAAC Grade | B+ | A | B+ |
| BA Annual Fee | INR 4,500 to 5,500 | INR 4,800 (approx.) | Comparable range |
| Geographic Reach | UP-focused study centres | Pan-India (3,500+ study centres) | Rajasthan-focused |
| Programmes | 130+ | 230+ | 120+ |
IGNOU leads on scale, national recognisability, programme breadth, and NIRF rank. However, UPRTOU’s state-specific study centre network gives UP-domicile students stronger local support, government scholarship linkage, and proximity to exam centres. VMOU serves a similar purpose for Rajasthan students. Aspirants who want a degree recognised specifically by UP government employers or require UP state scholarship eligibility are better served by UPRTOU than IGNOU.
UPRTOU FAQs
Ques. What is the last date to apply for UPRTOU admission 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply for UPRTOU admission for the 2026-27 academic session is August 15, 2026 for most UG and PG programmes. Applications are submitted online at uprtou.ac.in. B.Ed and PhD admissions follow separate schedules based on the entrance test.
Ques. Is UPRTOU a UGC-recognised university?
Ans. Yes, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It is also NAAC-accredited with a B+ Grade. Degrees from UPRTOU are valid for government jobs, higher education, and further studies in India.
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of UPRTOU?
Ans. UPRTOU is ranked 3rd in the NIRF 2025 Open University Rankings, making it one of India’s top three open universities as assessed by the Ministry of Education’s National Institutional Ranking Framework.
Ques. What are the fees for MBA at UPRTOU?
Ans. The MBA programme at UPRTOU costs INR 18,000 to 20,000 per year, making the two-year total INR 36,000 to 40,000. This is significantly lower than MBA fees at conventional private universities. Admission is merit-based with no entrance test required.
Ques. Does UPRTOU offer B.Ed through distance learning?
Ans. Yes, UPRTOU offers a two-year B.Ed programme through the distance learning mode, priced at INR 32,600 for the full duration. Admission is through the UPRTOU B.Ed Entrance Test, and the programme is designed primarily for in-service school teachers seeking a formal B.Ed qualification. The programme is NCTE-approved.
Ques. How is the study material delivered at UPRTOU?
Ans. UPRTOU delivers study material to students by post at the registered address after admission confirmation. Supplementary digital content is available on the SWAYAM platform. Students attend contact sessions (Personal Contact Programme) periodically at their designated regional study centre, where faculty provide academic guidance. Term-end exams are conducted at exam centres across Uttar Pradesh.
Ques. Is UPRTOU better than IGNOU?
Ans. Both are UGC-recognised open universities. IGNOU is a central university with national reach (3,500+ study centres), a broader programme portfolio (230+ courses), NAAC A grade, and NIRF Rank 1 in open universities. UPRTOU is a state open university focused on Uttar Pradesh, ranked 3rd in NIRF 2025. For UP-domicile students seeking UP government scholarship benefits, local study centre proximity, and state employer recognition, UPRTOU is a strong choice. IGNOU suits those who want nationally portable credentials or live outside UP.
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Yes, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) does offer PhD programs in social science/humanities subjects (like Political Science, History, etc.). Eligibility: a postgraduate degree from a recognized university. Fees: INR 60,000 for the full 3-year part-time PhD program (tuition INR 20,000 per year).
UPRTOU MA Political Science is offered as 2 Years part-time program. The candidate seeking admission to the 2-year Correspondence MA Program must have completed Graduation from a recognised Institute or University. The total fees for UPRTOU MA Political Science are INR 17,000 for the complete course duration. The fee for the MA in political science per year is INR 8,500.
The fee for the Ph.D. in Education at Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) is generally affordable and structured to support research scholars. It includes registration charges, coursework fees, annual tuition, and examination costs. Exact amounts may vary yearly, so candidates should confirm details from the university’s official notifications. The PhD programme at UPRTOU costs INR 60,000 in tuition over three years (INR 20,000/year).
UPRTOU BBA is offered as 3 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for BBA is 10+2. The total fees for UPRTOU BBA is INR 30,000 for the complete course duration.
Yes, you can apply for the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) at Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) even if you have a backlog in one paper of your B.Sc. degree. The eligibility criteria for PGDCA require you to have a three-year bachelor's degree (10+2+3) with Mathematics at the 10+2 level or completion of a six-month computer course. UPRTOU offers provisions for students with back papers, allowing them to apply and later submit their final results upon clearing the pending examination
Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) does not offer a lateral entry option for the Diploma in Fashion Designing (DFD) program through its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The program is designed as a direct-entry course with a duration ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the student's pace. Eligibility requires candidates to have completed 10+2 from a recognized board. The program is available in both Hindi and English mediums.
UPRTOU BCA is offered as 3 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for BCA are 10+2. The total fees for UPRTOU BCA are INR 39,000 for the complete course duration. The fees for the BCA course are mentioned below:
UPRTOU Diploma in Dairy Technology is offered as a 1 Year Part-time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for a Diploma are 10+2. The total fees for the UPRTOU Diploma in Dairy Technology are INR 12,200 for the complete course duration.
UPRTOU BA courses are offered as 3 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for BA are 10+2. The total fees for the UPRTOU BA English are INR 13,500 for the complete course duration. Candidates are selected on the basis of the academic merit of their previous qualifying examination.
Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University offers a BA with Sanskrit through distance learning (standard BA is 3 years with Sanskrit as a subject; total fees INR 9,900), and a 2-year Certificate in Sanskrit (INR 8,000). Study materials are provided by the university by post/download. Admissions are online for new sessions.
Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) is a government open university in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, established by the state and recognised by UGC-DEB. You can get admission for BCA (distance mode) after completing 10+2 from a recognised board. The BCA course costs around INR 30,000–INR 39,000 for the full three-year programme, though fees can vary slightly by session and region.
Yes, students with a B.Sc. in Biology are eligible for many courses at UPRTOU, depending on the specific program. Eligibility varies by course; some may require particular subjects or minimum marks. It is important to check the official UPRTOU prospectus for the exact criteria before applying to ensure you meet all requirements.
In Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, you can pursue BA with Political Science as one subject under the elective system. You need to choose Political Science in your subject combination during admission. Admission is based on 10+2 qualification, and you can study through distance learning mode.
At Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, BA is offered as a full degree with multiple subjects. You cannot pursue BA with only one subject. However, you can choose a major subject like Political Science or History along with compulsory papers. Check eligibility and apply online through the official admission portal.
Admission for the July 2026-27 academic session at Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) has officially commenced, having started in June 2026. Prospective students can fill out application forms online via the official website uprtou.ac.in until the expected deadline of July 31, 2026.
Yes, UPRTOU MSW is offered as a 2-year program. The minimum eligibility criteria for an MSW are a Bachelor's Degree. The total fees for the UPRTOU MSW program are INR 17,000 for the entire course duration.
The fee per year for the MBA course is INR 18,000 at the UPRTOU. You can check here for the Top MBA Colleges in India 2025: Ranking, Placement-Wise, Fees, Admissions, Cutoff
The fee for the MBA course is mentioned below;
Yes, Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) offers an MA in Philosophy. The course is available in Hindi or English mediums.
The last date for admission to the PG Diploma in Mass Communication at Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) for the 2024 session is not available online.