Centre for Distance and Online Education at Panjab University, Chandigarh, has been a pioneer in distance education since its establishment in 1971 as the Directorate of Correspondence Courses. For more than 50 years, it has been offering cost-effective and flexible higher education to those who are unable to enrol for full-time study.
USOL/CDOE offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, commerce, management, computer applications, and social sciences, as well as diploma and certificate courses to cater to the academic and professional needs. The institute also encourages dual degrees, as per UGC-DEB norms, allowing students to complete their regular course through distance/ online learning.
For undergraduate and postgraduate programs (except MBA), admission is based on merit. The MBA (ODL) program requires either an entrance test or recognised professional qualifications. For Diploma and Certificate courses, admissions are granted either directly or based on merit, depending on the specific program.
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Highlights 2025
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Courses and Fees 2025
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Admission 2025
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University facilities
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Scholarships 2025
- Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University FAQs
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Highlights 2025
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Courses and Fees 2025
Centre for Distance & Open Learning (CDOE), Panjab University, offers various Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PG Diplomas, and certificate courses in Arts, Commerce, Management, Computer Applications, and Social Sciences.
For undergraduate courses, admissions are based on merit (marks scored in the 12th class), and for postgraduate courses, one must have a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 45–50% marks (depending on the program). According to the UGC-DEB regulations, the institute also permits dual degrees by pursuing regular and distance/online learning courses concurrently.
The CDOE fee is made affordable to ensure that everyone can afford it. The annual fees of B.A. and B.Com are usually INR 12,000 - INR 16,000, whereas M.A. and M.Com courses vary between INR 14,500 - INR 38,000 based on the programme. Diploma and certificate programmes are offered at the lower fee slabs, which is very lucrative for a skill upgrade.
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Admission 2025
CDOE Panjab University follows the online mode of admission for UG and PG courses. Programmes offered by the CDOE, P.U. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses of the Centre for Distance and Online Education, Panjab University, is managed online through the official CDOE admission portal.
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University facilities
Durgapur Government College provides students with all the essential facilities necessary for both academic learning and overall development.
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Top Recognitions and Affiliations
- Panjab University has a well-known institution for distance and online learning called the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), offering a wide range of UG and PG courses that are approved by the regulatory authority and based on sound academic requirements:
- UGC-DEB Approval – Recognised by UGC-DEB (University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau) for conducting distance and open programs.
- NAAC Accreditation – Panjab University, along with CDOE, is NAAC accredited (Grade ‘A+’).
- Membership of AIU – Institution is a member of the Association of Indian Universities and equivalent programs.
- Government Recognition – Accepted for further education, government jobs, and professional roles.
- NIRF Rankings – Panjab University has been consistently ranked amongst the top universities in India by NIRF.
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University Scholarships 2025
Post Matric Scholarships (PMS) by the Punjab Govt.: For SC, ST, and OBC students who pursue their higher education, including payment of tuition fees and maintenance allowance.
National Scholarships (NSP): Students can register themselves (as fresh / renewal) on the National Scholarship Portal to apply for all central schemes, such as the Central Sector Scheme (CSSS) & Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS).
Minority Scholarships (Aikyashree / NSP Minority): Scholarships for students of the Minority community for UG and PG courses.
Merit-cum-Means Scholarships: Granted to financially weak but meritorious candidates by the state and central agencies.
Private/Corporate Scholarships: Candidates can also apply for private scholarships, such as the Reliance Foundation Scholarships or the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarships, to support their education.
* Each candidate is required to submit online through any of the official portals (NSP / State portal / Private–public partnership portal) only one application for each scholarship.
Centre for Distance and Online Education Panjab University FAQs
What does CDOE stand for?
It is the acronym for Centre of Distance and Online Education, earlier known as the University School of Open Learning (USOL).
What kind of programs are available through CDOE?
CDOE offers a range of options, including Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Advanced Diplomas, and Certificate courses.
How do I apply for admission?
All UG and PG admissions are strictly online via the official admission portal. Applicants must fill out the Admission-cum-Examination form.
Can I pursue dual degrees?
Yes. CDOE permits students to opt for a dual degree—either one regular + one distance/online program, or two distance/online programs—under UGC-DEB guidelines.
What facilities are available?
Students get access to Panjab University’s main library (housing over a lakh books and journals), the Educational Media Centre, computer labs, subject labs, and a variety of student support services.
Where can I find assignment or PCP schedules?
The Noticeboard on the CDOE website posts regular updates, such as PCP (Personal Contact Programs) timetables and assignment schedules.
When is the admission deadline for the 2025–26 session?
The deadline to submit the CDOE admission form is around August 29, 2025.
Are the degrees recognised?
Yes. CDOE’s UG and PG degrees are fully approved by UGC-DEB and recognised by AIU, ACU, and IAU.
Where can I find the prospectus or brochures?
You can download the official prospectus, fee structures, admission guidelines, and dual-degree brochures from the CDOE Information Brochures section.
How can I get help with queries or technical issues?
For queries regarding courses like M.A. (Education), you can email:cdoe@pu.ac.in,chairperson.cdoe@pu.ac.in.