Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), located in Kota, Rajasthan, is one of India's leading state open universities. It was established with the mission of making quality higher education accessible to all. It's especially working professionals, rural learners, and those who couldn't pursue a conventional college education. Operating entirely through the distance learning mode, VMOU is recognized by the University Grants Commission, Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB), and holds NAAC 'A' accreditation.
For 2026, VMOU offers over 68 courses spanning Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD levels. It offers these across disciplines like Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, Management, Library Science, Journalism, and more. Whether you're looking to complete a graduation, upskill with a certificate, or pursue a postgraduate degree from the comfort of your home, VMOU provides a flexible, affordable, and recognised academic path.
VMOU fees for 2026–27 range from as low as ₹900 for short certificate programs to up to ₹1.09 Lakhs for the PhD program. The fee range makes it one of the most cost-effective universities in Rajasthan. Admission cycles run twice a year, in January and July. Also, the admissions are conducted online through the official portal at vmou.ac.in.
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Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) Courses 2026: Highlights
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, is a state university established in 1987 under the Rajasthan government, functioning exclusively as an open and distance learning (ODL) institution. For 2026, VMOU continues to offer programs at every academic level.
Starting from short-term certificate courses to doctoral-level PhD programs, across both humanities and science streams. Its admission window is open twice a year (January and July sessions). Therefore, giving students two annual opportunities to enroll without waiting an entire year.
Parameter
Details
University Full Name
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU)
Established
1987
Location
Kota, Rajasthan
University Type
State Open University (Distance Learning)
Accreditation
NAAC 'A' Grade
Approved By
UGC-DEB, AIU
Mode of Education
Distance / Open Learning (ODL)
Total Courses Offered
68+ (Certificate, Diploma, UG, PG, PhD)
Disciplines Covered
Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, Management, Law, Journalism, Library Science, IT
Course Duration
6 months (Certificate) to 3 years (UG) / 2 years (PG)
VMOU offers a well-rounded set of undergraduate programs under the distance learning mode. Thus making higher education accessible to students who cannot attend regular college. Most UG programs at VMOU are of 3-year duration, divided into 6 semesters, and cover a range of disciplines. The disciplines range from Arts, Commerce, and Science to Computer Applications, Social Work, Education, and Library Science. Admissions to UG courses are largely merit-based, except for B.Ed, which requires clearing an entrance examination.
The basic eligibility requirement for most VMOU undergraduate programs is passing Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board. The minimum marks required generally range between 40% to 50%, depending on the specific program, with SC/ST/OBC candidates typically receiving a 5% relaxation. Some programs like B.Lib.I.Sc require a prior graduation degree. In contrast, certain courses may also accept a government diploma or certificate in lieu of 10+2.
VMOU UG fees for 2026–27 range from ₹9,900 to ₹57,660 for the entire course duration. The B.Ed program carries the highest UG fee at ₹57,660, while a standard BA pass course starts at just ₹5,800 per year. Students are required to pay fees year-wise or semester-wise as per the university's payment schedule.
Course
Duration
Eligibility
Minimum Marks
Total Fee (Approx.)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Pass Course
3 Years
10+2 from recognized board
40–45%
₹17,400 – ₹18,000
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Special Subjects (CS/IT/GE/HM)
3 Years
10+2 from recognized board
45–50%
₹23,700
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
3 Years
10+2 (Commerce/Any Stream)
45%
₹9,900 – ₹23,700
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
3 Years
10+2 with Science stream
45–50%
₹33,400 – ₹44,700
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
3 Years
10+2 with Mathematics
50%
₹15,000/year (Approx.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
3 Years
10+2 from recognized board
45–50%
₹15,000/year (Approx.)
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
2 Years
Graduation in a relevant subject + Entrance Exam
50%
₹57,660
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc)
1 Year
Graduation from recognized university
45%
₹9,900 – ₹23,700
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
3 Years
10+2 from recognized board
45%
₹9,900 – ₹23,700
Bachelor of Journalism
3 Years
10+2 from recognized board
45%
₹11,000 (Approx.)
VMOU PG Courses 2026: Eligibility & Fees
VMOU offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate programs across the Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management streams through the distance learning mode. All PG courses at VMOU are of 2-year duration (extendable up to 4 years), divided into two parts, Previous Year and Final Year, with examinations held twice annually in June and December. Since January 2025, VMOU has adopted a semester-based system in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP).
The standard eligibility for most VMOU postgraduate programs is a Bachelor's degree (3 years) from a recognised university in a relevant discipline. For M.Sc. programs, candidates must have a B.Sc. degree with the relevant subject as a major, for example, B.Sc. with Physics as a major for M.Sc. Physics. The MBA program requires a minimum of 50% marks in graduation, or a relevant professional degree or work experience.
VMOU PG fees for 2026 are remarkably affordable, starting from as low as ₹6,000 per year for MA programs in humanities subjects like Hindi, History, Sociology, and Political Science. Science-based PG programs such as M.Sc. Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics are priced at approximately ₹17,300–₹17,600 per year, while M.Sc. Computer Science carries the highest fee among PG courses at ₹17,300 (Previous) and ₹20,200 (Final Year). The MBA program is priced at ₹17,900 per year, making it one of the most affordable distance MBA options in Rajasthan.
Course
Duration
Eligibility
Minimum Marks
Total Fee (Approx.)
M.A. Hindi
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. English
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Sanskrit
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Rajasthani
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. History
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Political Science
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Sociology
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Economics
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Education
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Police Administration
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,100
M.A. Geography
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹18,000
M.Sc. Mathematics
2–4 Years
B.Sc. with Mathematics
45–50%
₹15,200
M.Sc. Physics
2–4 Years
B.Sc. with Physics
45–50%
₹34,900
M.Sc. Chemistry
2–4 Years
B.Sc. with Chemistry
45–50%
₹34,900
M.Sc. Botany
2–4 Years
B.Sc. with Botany
45–50%
₹34,900
M.Sc. Zoology
2–4 Years
B.Sc. with Zoology
45–50%
₹34,900
M.Sc. Computer Science
2–4 Years
Bachelor's (2nd Div.) or PGDCA (Lateral Entry)
45–50%
₹37,500
M.Com
2–4 Years
Any Bachelor's degree
45%
₹12,400
MBA
2–4 Years
Graduation with 50% or a professional degree
50%
₹35,800
VMOU Diploma and Certificate Courses 2026: Skill Enhancement Opportunities
Beyond conventional degree programs, VMOU offers a strong portfolio of Diploma and Certificate courses. These are designed specifically for skill enhancement, career pivots, and professional upskilling. These short-term programs are ideal for working professionals, homemakers, rural learners, and graduates. All those who want to add a qualification to their profile without committing to a full 2–3 year degree. Most Certificate courses run for 6 months to 1 year. While Diploma programs typically span 1 to 2 years, both are fully delivered through the distance learning mode.
Certificate course fees at VMOU start from as low as ₹900–₹2,500, making them among the most affordable skill-building options available through any Indian university. Diploma course fees range between ₹4,500 and ₹17,000 depending on the subject, duration, and practical components involved. There are no entrance exams for most of these programs.
VMOU Diploma Courses 2026: Eligibility & Fees
Course
Duration
Eligibility
Total Fee (Approx.)
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
2 Years
10+2 from recognized board
₹14,000–₹17,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication (PGDJMC)
1 Year
Any Bachelor's degree
₹9,900
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA)
1 Year
Any Bachelor's degree
₹9,900
Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation & Networking (PGDLAN)
1 Year
B.Lib.I.Sc. or equivalent
₹9,900
Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights
1 Year
Any Bachelor's degree
₹4,500–₹6,000
Diploma in Functional Hindi (DFH)
1 Year
10+2 from recognized board
₹4,500
Diploma in Translation (DT)
1 Year
10+2 from recognized board
₹4,500
Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA)
1 Year
10+2 from recognized board
₹9,000
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE)
1 Year
10+2 from recognized board
₹5,000–₹6,000
VMOU Certificate Courses 2026: Eligibility & Fees
Course
Duration
Eligibility
Total Fee (Approx.)
Certificate in Functional Hindi (CFH)
6 Months
10th Pass
₹900
Certificate in Hindi Translation (CHT)
6 Months
10+2 from recognized board
₹900
Certificate in Urdu Language
6 Months
10th Pass
₹900
Certificate in Environmental Studies
6 Months
10th Pass
₹1,500
Certificate in Human Rights
6 Months
10th Pass
₹1,500
Certificate in Disaster Management
6 Months
10th Pass
₹1,500
Certificate in Yoga
6 Months
10th Pass
₹1,500–₹2,500
Certificate in Computer Applications (CCA)
6 Months
10th Pass
₹2,500
Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (CECE)
6 Months
10th Pass
₹2,500
Certificate in Tour & Travel Management
6 Months
10+2 from recognized board
₹2,500
Certificate in Food & Nutrition
6 Months
10th Pass
₹1,500–₹2,500
How to Apply for Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) Courses?
The entire VMOU admission process is conducted online only; there is no offline or walk-in application option available. Admissions open twice a year for the January Session and July Session, and students can apply for UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and PhD programs through the official portal at vmou.ac.in. Most programs offer direct merit-based admission with no entrance test, except B.Ed, MBA, M.Sc. (select subjects), and PhD, which require clearing a VMOU-conducted entrance examination.
Documents Required Before Applying
Keep the following documents ready in scanned/digital format before starting your application:
Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate
Class 12th Marksheet & Certificate
Graduation Marksheets (for PG/Diploma applicants)
Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
Passport-size photograph (recent, colour)
Signature (scanned on white paper)
Valid Email ID and active mobile number
Aadhaar Card or any government-issued photo ID
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps carefully to successfully complete your VMOU 2026 admission:
Visit the official website — Go to www.vmou.ac.in and click on the "Admissions" or "Apply Online" link on the homepage
New Registration — Click on "New Registration" and create your account using a valid email address and mobile number; note down your login credentials
Login & Select Program — Log in with your registered credentials, click "Proceed to Apply", and select your desired program (UG / PG / Diploma / Certificate / PhD)
Fill the Application Form — Carefully enter your personal details, academic qualifications, category, and program preferences in the online form
Upload Required Documents — Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, marksheets, and identity proof in the specified format and size
Pay the Application Fee — Pay the course fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI; download and save the payment receipt
Submit & Download Confirmation — Review all entered details, submit the form, and download the Application Confirmation Slip for future reference
Track Admission Status — Use your application/enrollment number on the VMOU portal to track document verification and admission confirmation status
Receive Study Material — Once admission is confirmed, VMOU dispatches printed self-learning materials (SLMs) to your registered address; e-materials are also accessible via the student portal
VMOU 2026 Admission: Key Dates
Event
Details
Admission Mode
Online only (vmou.ac.in)
January Session – Application Start
November–December 2025
January Session – Last Date
Extended to 22 March 2026
July Session – Application Start
May–June 2026 (Expected)
MBA Entrance Exam
4th Week of April 2026
MBA Admit Card Release
2nd Week of April 2026
B.Ed / PhD Entrance Test
As per the VMOU notification
Exam Cycles
June & December (Term-End)
Admission Sessions
January & July (Twice a Year)
Pro Tip: Always check the vmou.ac.in official notice board before applying, as VMOU frequently extends deadlines. The January 2026 session deadline was extended from 19th February to 27th February and later to 22nd March 2026.
Yes, Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) Kota is fully recognised by the University Grants Commission- Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB). It holds NAAC 'A' grade accreditation. Its degrees are valid for government jobs, higher education, and professional purposes across India.
VMOU conducts admissions twice a year, in the January Session and the July Session. This gives students two annual opportunities to enrol in their desired program without waiting for an entire academic year to pass.
The minimum qualification varies by program level. For Certificate courses, a Class 10th pass is sufficient. For UG programs, candidates need 10+2 from a recognised board. PG programs require a relevant Bachelor's degree, and PhD admission requires a postgraduate degree.
Most VMOU programs offer direct merit-based admission without any entrance test. However, programs like B.Ed, MBA, and PhD require candidates to clear a VMOU-conducted entrance examination. Admit cards and exam schedules are published on the official website vmou.ac.in.
The total fee for the VMOU MBA program is approximately ₹35,800 for the full 2-year course. This makes it one of the most affordable distance MBA programs in Rajasthan. Fees are paid year-wise and do not include exam fees or project evaluation charges.
Absolutely. VMOU programs are specifically designed for working professionals and are delivered entirely through the distance learning mode. Study materials are sent to your home, and exams are held twice a year in June and December, making it easy to balance work and studies.
Once admission is confirmed, VMOU dispatches printed Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) directly to the student's registered postal address. Additionally, e-materials and digital resources are accessible through the VMOU student portal, ensuring learners can study both offline and online at their convenience.
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