UGC-Approved Online Universities in India (2026 List)
Choosing an online degree starts with one non-negotiable check: is the university actually approved to offer it? In India, that approval comes from two bodies working together — the University Grants Commission (UGC) and its Distance Education Bureau (DEB). A university without current UGC-DEB entitlement cannot legally award a valid online degree, no matter how polished its website or advertising looks.
This has real consequences. Institutions such as Annamalai University and Periyar University continued enrolling students in online programs after their UGC-DEB approval lapsed, leaving those learners with degrees that are not recognized for jobs, promotions or further studies. Checking entitlement before you enroll — not after — is the only way to avoid that outcome.
Below is a detailed review of 28 universities offering online degrees in India, compiled from Guidevera's own listings and cross-checked against available public accreditation data. Each entry includes the university's type and location, a full list of the online programs it offers where that data is available, and an Accreditations & Ranking box — green where we could verify NAAC grade and NIRF rank from a published source, red where we couldn't.
Key Fact: A UGC-DEB entitled online degree is legally equivalent to a regular degree in India — valid for government jobs, private-sector employment, higher studies and professional certifications. Always cross-check current entitlement at deb.ugc.ac.in before enrolling in any online program.
Quick Reference — All 28 Universities
# | University | State | Type | NAAC |
1 | Manipal University (MAHE/MUJ/SMU) | Karnataka / Rajasthan | Deemed / Private | A++ |
2 | SVKM's NMIMS | Maharashtra | Deemed University | A+ |
3 | Lovely Professional University | Punjab | Private University | A++ |
4 | UPES | Uttarakhand | Private University | A |
5 | Amity University | Uttar Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
6 | Chandigarh University | Punjab | Private University | A+ |
7 | DPU Pune (Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth) | Maharashtra | Deemed University | A++ |
8 | GLA University | Uttar Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
9 | UpGrad | N/A (Ed-tech platform) | Not a university | NA |
10 | Uttaranchal University | Uttarakhand | Private University | A+ |
11 | Shoolini University | Himachal Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
12 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Tamil Nadu | Deemed University | A++ |
13 | Sikkim Manipal University | Sikkim | Private University | A+ |
14 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu / Kerala | Deemed University | A++ |
15 | Andhra University | Andhra Pradesh | State University | A++ |
16 | DPU Mumbai | Maharashtra | Deemed University | A++ |
17 | Kurukshetra University | Haryana | State University | A+ |
18 | Vivekananda Global University | Rajasthan | Private University | A+ |
19 | Sharda University | Uttar Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
20 | Birchwood University | Not established | Unverified | NA |
21 | Parul University | Gujarat | Private University | A++ |
22 | SRM University (SRMIST) | Tamil Nadu | Deemed University | A++ |
23 | EIMT | Not established | Unverified | NA |
24 | Galgotias University | Uttar Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
25 | Christ University | Karnataka | Deemed University | A+ |
26 | Alliance University | Karnataka | Private University | A+ |
27 | Assam down town University | Assam | Private University | A+ |
28 | Bennett University | Uttar Pradesh | Private University | A+ |
University Profiles
Every profile below includes the university's background, its full list of online programs where confirmed, and an Accreditations & Ranking box. Green header = cross-checked against published NAAC/NIRF data. Red header = general factual background only — verify current accreditation and course list directly before publishing specific claims.
1. Manipal University Online (MAHE / MUJ / SMU)
Karnataka & Rajasthan | Deemed/Private University
Manipal's online degrees are delivered through a group of three separately-entitled institutions: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Karnataka, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) in Rajasthan, and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). MAHE is the flagship of the group — it holds a NAAC A++ grade and ranks 4th nationally on NIRF, and its online catalog leans toward postgraduate business and analytics degrees. MUJ broadens the offering with a wider spread of undergraduate and postgraduate commerce, computer applications and management programs. Combined, Guidevera lists 12+ live online programs across the group.
Courses Offered Online:
– MBA — General Management (MAHE)
– M.Sc — Business Analytics (MAHE)
– M.Sc — Data Science (MAHE)
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce (MUJ)
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications (MUJ)
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration (MUJ)
– M.Com — Master of Commerce (MUJ)
– MCA — Master of Computer Applications (MUJ)
– MA — Journalism & Mass Communication (MUJ)
– MBA — HR / Finance / Marketing specializations (MUJ)
Manipal University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | - | 4 |
→ Apply Now for Manipal University Online (MAHE / MUJ / SMU)
2. SVKM's NMIMS Online
Maharashtra | Deemed University
NMIMS is one of India's more established management-education brands and has run online and distance programs for over a decade. Its publicly confirmed online catalog currently centers on two undergraduate degrees, though NMIMS is best known on-campus for its MBA. Guidevera's listing shows a wider 12+ program count, which likely includes additional specializations or certificate-linked tracks beyond the two core degrees confirmed in public UGC-DEB records — verify the current full list directly with NMIMS before publishing specific course claims.
Courses Offered Online:
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration
NMIMS Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.67 | 49 |
→ Apply Now for SVKM's NMIMS Online
3. Lovely Professional University (LPU) Online
Punjab | Private University
LPU is consistently ranked among India's top private universities for online education, helped by strong placement infrastructure and a mature digital learning platform. It offers one of the broadest online catalogs on this list, spanning Arts, Commerce, Computer Applications and Management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Courses Offered Online:
– BA — Bachelor of Arts (choice of Economics, Computer Applications, Management, History, Political Science, Sociology, English or Hindi)
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce
– MCA — Master of Computer Applications
– M.Sc — Mathematics
– MA — History
– MA — Economics
– MA — Sociology
– MA — English
– MA — Political Science
– M.Com — Master of Commerce
– MBA — Master of Business Administration
LPU Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.68 | 27 |
→ Apply Now for Lovely Professional University (LPU) Online
4. UPES Online
Uttarakhand | Private University
UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies), based in Dehradun, is known for its Business, Law and Technology programs on campus and has extended a selection of these into online mode. Guidevera lists 7+ online courses for UPES, but a specific NAAC grade and the full official online course list could not be independently confirmed against a public accreditation source at the time of writing — confirm both directly with UPES or via UGC-DEB before publishing.
UPES Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
yes | A | 3.02 | 45 |
→ Apply Now for UPES Online
5. Amity University Online
Uttar Pradesh | Private University
Amity is one of India's largest private university brands and one of the most searched names in online education. It offers one of the widest course spreads on this list, covering Arts, Computer Applications, Business Administration, Commerce and Management at both UG and PG level.
Courses Offered Online:
– BA — General / Political Science / Economics / English / Sociology
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration
– MCA — Master of Computer Applications
– MA — Journalism & Mass Communication
– MBA — Master of Business Administration
– M.Com — Financial Management / Financial Technology
– PGDM — Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Amity University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.31 | 32 |
→ Apply Now for Amity University Online
6. Chandigarh University Online
Punjab | Private University
Chandigarh University offers online programs across all four major streams — Arts, Commerce, Computer Applications and Management — making it one of the more comprehensive catalogs among Punjab-based universities.
Courses Offered Online:
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration
– BA — Journalism & Mass Communication
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications
– MA — Journalism & Mass Communication
– M.Com — Master of Commerce
– MBA — Master of Business Administration
– MA — Liberal Arts
– MA — Economics
– MA — English
– MBA — Logistics & Supply Chain Management
– M.Sc — Data Science
– M.Sc — Mathematics
Chandigarh University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.28 | 20 |
→ Apply Now for Chandigarh University Online
7. DPU Pune (Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth) Online
Maharashtra | Deemed University
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth is regarded as one of the stronger online B-School brands in Maharashtra. Rather than offering many separate degree titles, it concentrates on BBA and MBA, each available in a wide range of industry-specific specializations.
Courses Offered Online:
– BBA — Management (general)
– BBA specializations — Travel & Tourism, Logistics & Supply Chain, Marketing Management, Event Management, HR, Sports Management, Healthcare & Hospital Management, Investment Banking, Retail Management
– MBA — General
– MBA specializations — Sales & Marketing, HR, Healthcare & Hospital Management, Finance, International Business, Hospitality Management, Logistics & Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship, Event Management, Retail Management
DPU Pune Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.64 | 44 |
→ Apply Now for DPU Pune (Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth) Online
8. GLA University Online
Uttar Pradesh (Mathura) | Private University
GLA University is a Mathura-based private university known for its engineering and management programs, and offers 10+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. A specific NAAC grade and the detailed course list could not be independently confirmed against a public accreditation source at the time of writing — verify both directly with GLA before publishing.
GLA University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.46 | - |
→ Apply Now for GLA University Online
9. UpGrad
Ed-tech Platform | Not a Degree-Granting University
UpGrad is not itself a degree-granting university — it is an ed-tech platform that partners with UGC-entitled universities in India and abroad to deliver online degree and certification programs under its own branding. When writing about UpGrad, make clear that accreditation, NAAC grade and UGC-DEB entitlement belong to its partner universities, not to UpGrad as a company, since UpGrad itself cannot be UGC-approved in the way a university is.
UpGrad — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
→ Apply Now for UpGrad
10. Uttaranchal University Online
Uttarakhand (Dehradun) | Private University
Uttaranchal University is a Dehradun-based private university offering 6+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Its current NAAC grade and detailed course list could not be independently confirmed at the time of writing — verify both directly before publishing specific claims.
Uttaranchal University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.42 | 75 |
→ Apply Now for Uttaranchal University Online
11. Shoolini University Online
Himachal Pradesh | Private University
Shoolini University, based in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its research output on its main campus and offers 12+ online programs per Guidevera's listing. Confirm its current NAAC grade for online-mode programs specifically, along with the detailed course list, before publishing.
Shoolini University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.32 | 69 |
→ Apply Now for Shoolini University Online
12. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Online
Tamil Nadu | Deemed University
VIT is one of India's highest NIRF-ranked institutions and a strong technology brand extending into online education, with a catalog centered on computing, business and analytics.
Courses Offered Online:
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications
– MCA — Master of Computer Applications
– MBA — Master of Business Administration
– M.Sc — Data Science
VIT Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.42 | 10 |
→ Apply Now for Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Online
13. Sikkim Manipal University Online
Sikkim | Private University
Sikkim Manipal University operates under the wider Manipal group's online education umbrella and offers 8+ courses per Guidevera's listing. Its own NAAC certificate is issued separately from MAHE's, since accreditation is granted per institution rather than per group — confirm SMU's specific grade and course list directly before publishing.
Sikkim Manipal University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.28 | – |
→ Apply Now for Sikkim Manipal University Online
14. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Online
Tamil Nadu / Kerala (multi-campus) | Deemed University
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a well-ranked, research-focused deemed university with a strong NIRF position, offering online programs across Computer Applications, Business, Commerce and the Arts.
Courses Offered Online:
– BCA — Bachelor of Computer Applications
– BBA — Bachelor of Business Administration
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce
– M.Com — Master of Commerce
– M.Sc — Mathematics
– MA — Communication
– MA — Journalism & Mass Communication
– MA — Philosophy
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.7 | 7 |
→ Apply Now for Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Online
15. Andhra University Online
Andhra Pradesh | State University
Andhra University is one of the oldest and most established state universities in Andhra Pradesh. Its online offering is currently limited to two flagship degrees rather than a wide catalog.
Courses Offered Online:
– B.Com — Accountancy
– MA — Sociology
Andhra University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.60 | 19 |
→ Apply Now for Andhra University Online
16. DPU Mumbai Online
Maharashtra | Deemed University
DPU Mumbai operates under the same Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth deemed-university umbrella as the Pune campus. Confirm whether the Mumbai campus's online programs are listed separately under UGC-DEB or fall under the same overall entitlement, and confirm the campus-specific course list, before publishing.
DPU Mumbai Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.59 | – |
→ Apply Now for DPU Mumbai Online
17. Kurukshetra University Online
Haryana | State University
Kurukshetra University is a well-established state university in Haryana offering a compact but solid online catalog across Arts and Commerce.
Courses Offered Online:
– BA — Bachelor of Arts
– B.Com — Bachelor of Commerce
– MA — Mass Communication
– M.Com — Master of Commerce
Kurukshetra University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.52 | – |
→ Apply Now for Kurukshetra University Online
18. Vivekananda Global University Online
Rajasthan (Jaipur) | Private University
Vivekananda Global University, based in Jaipur, offers 7+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Its current NAAC grade and detailed course list should be confirmed directly before publishing specific figures.
Vivekananda Global University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.29 | 151-200 |
→ Apply Now for Vivekananda Global University Online
19. Sharda University Online
Uttar Pradesh (Greater Noida) | Private University
Sharda University offers 5+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Verify its current NAAC grade and detailed course list directly before publishing.
Sharda University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | – | 87 |
→ Apply Now for Sharda University Online
20. Birchwood University
Location/Status Not Established
We were unable to independently verify Birchwood University against standard public UGC-DEB or NAAC references at the time of writing. Before publishing anything about this institution — including any course list or accreditation claim — confirm its UGC-DEB entitlement directly at deb.ugc.ac.in.
Birchwood University — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Not Verified | – | – | – |
→ Apply Now for Birchwood University
21. Parul University Online
Gujarat (Vadodara) | Private University
Parul University offers 9+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Verify its current NAAC grade and detailed course list directly before publishing specific figures.
Parul University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.55 | – |
→ Apply Now for Parul University Online
22. SRM University Online (SRM Institute of Science and Technology)
Tamil Nadu | Deemed University
SRM is a well-known deemed university with a strong NIRF ranking, offering a solid online catalog centered on computing, business and multiple MBA specializations.
Courses Offered Online:
– BCA — Data Sciences
– BBA — Digital Marketing
– MCA — Master of Computer Applications
– M.Com — Master of Commerce
– MBA — Human Resource Administration
– MBA — Marketing Management
– MBA — Business Analytics
– MBA — Finance
SRM University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A++ | 3.55 | 12 |
→ Apply Now for SRM University Online (SRM Institute of Science and Technology)
23. EIMT
Name/Status Not Established
The exact institution behind “EIMT” could not be confirmed against standard public UGC-DEB or NAAC references. Confirm the full legal name of the institution, its current UGC-DEB entitlement, and its course list directly before publishing any content about it.
EIMT — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Not Verified | – | – | – |
→ Apply Now for EIMT
24. Galgotias University Online
Uttar Pradesh (Greater Noida) | Private University
Galgotias University is a Greater Noida-based private university. Its NAAC grade and detailed online course list for its specific programs should be verified directly before publishing.
Galgotias University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.37 | 101-150 |
→ Apply Now for Galgotias University Online
25. Christ University Online
Karnataka (Bangalore) | Deemed University
Christ University is a well-regarded deemed university on its main campus. Confirm whether its online-mode programs carry the same NAAC grade and UGC-DEB entitlement as the on-campus programs, and confirm the specific online course list, before publishing.
Christ University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.42 | 63 |
→ Apply Now for Christ University Online
26. Alliance University Online
Karnataka (Bangalore) | Private University
Alliance University offers 4+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Verify its current NAAC grade and detailed course list before publishing specific figures.
Alliance University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.17 | 71 |
→ Apply Now for Alliance University Online
27. Assam down town University Online
Assam (Guwahati) | Private University
Assam down town University is a Guwahati-based private university. Confirm its current NAAC grade and detailed online course list before publishing specific claims.
Assam down town University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | – | 101-125 |
→ Apply Now for Assam down town University Online
28. Bennett University Online
Uttar Pradesh (Greater Noida) | Private University
Bennett University, backed by the Times Group, offers 2+ online courses per Guidevera's listing. Verify its current NAAC grade and detailed course list before publishing specific figures.
Bennett University Online — Accreditations & Ranking
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC Grade | NAAC Score | NIRF Ranking |
Yes | A+ | 3.48 | – |
→ Apply Now for Bennett University Online
How to Verify a University's UGC-DEB Entitlement Yourself
• Visit deb.ugc.ac.in and search the current list of entitled Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• Confirm the exact legal name of the university matches what's listed — some groups (like Manipal or DY Patil) have multiple separately-entitled institutions.
• Check that the specific program (not just the university) is listed for online-mode delivery.
• Cross-check the NAAC grade on the university's own accreditation certificate, not just marketing pages.
• Re-verify annually — entitlement can be suspended, as happened with Annamalai University and Periyar University.
Frequently Asked Questions — UGC Approved Online Universities
Q1. What does UGC-DEB approval actually mean?
It means a university has been granted permission by the UGC's Distance Education Bureau to legally offer online and distance-mode degree programs. Without this entitlement, a university's online degrees are not valid — even if the university itself is well established for on-campus education.
Q2. How can I check if my chosen university is UGC-DEB approved?
Visit deb.ugc.ac.in and search the current entitled institutions list. Confirm both the university's exact legal name and that your specific program is listed for online-mode delivery, since entitlement is granted program-by-program, not just university-wide.
Q3. Are all 28 universities in this list UGC-DEB approved?
Most are well-established, recognized universities. However, we could only independently verify current NAAC grade and course-level data for 11 of the 28 at the time of writing. For the rest, we recommend confirming current UGC-DEB entitlement and course lists directly before treating any specific claim as final.
Q4. Is UpGrad itself a UGC-approved university?
No — UpGrad is an online education platform, not a degree-granting university. It partners with UGC-entitled universities to deliver their programs online. Any accreditation belongs to the partner university, not to UpGrad as a company.
Q5. What happens if I enroll in a university without valid UGC-DEB entitlement?
Your degree may not be recognized for government jobs, many private-sector roles, or further studies. This has happened in real cases — Annamalai University and Periyar University both had their online-mode entitlement revoked after enrolling students without valid approval.
Q6. Does a high NAAC grade guarantee a good online learning experience?
Not entirely — NAAC grades reflect a university's overall institutional and academic quality, but online-specific factors like learning platform quality, faculty responsiveness and placement support for online learners can vary independently. Both matter.