CHANDIGARH: Panjab University distance learning courses at the University School of Open Learning (USOL) cost candidates three times more on an average than Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). While candidates have to pay Rs 10,000 to pursue an MA degree from IGNOU, they have to pay Rs 30,000 for the same course at PU's USOL.
For BA, the difference is even higher with PU charging Rs 38,000 fee for three years, compared to Rs 7,000 fee at IGNOU.
"I wanted to pursue MA in English via distance learning in my preparations for the civil services exam. But the course at PU is too costly and out of my budget," said Pooja Singh, a schoolteacher at a private school in Chandigarh. "I was thinking of PU because it was near my home and I could go to the university in case of any requirement. But now, I will go in for IGNOU course, which is much cheaper," she said.
Madhurima Verma, chairperson of USOL, said that the centre ran 26 courses that were popular among rural students, housewives, defence personnel and in-service employees, who are interested in enhancing their qualification. At USOL, the study material is sent to students by post and IGNOU offers a 15% discount in fee if a candidate chooses to procure study material in digital form.
However, unlike IGNOU, PU's distance learning centre also provides study material in Punjabi to the candidates, helping rural students who want to study in their mother tongue.
"We also offer contact classes to students for one week every semester, wherein they can come to the centre and clear their doubts. The students can also contact the faculty in advance and visit any time for personal counselling. They also get a membership card for library. IGNOU might be cheaper, but PU offers more facilities to students," Verma said.
The last date to apply for distance learning at USOL was August 18, though admissions can be made up to August 31 on payment of a late fee of Rs 1,000 if a candidate wants to apply.
For BA, the difference is even higher with PU charging Rs 38,000 fee for three years, compared to Rs 7,000 fee at IGNOU.
"I wanted to pursue MA in English via distance learning in my preparations for the civil services exam. But the course at PU is too costly and out of my budget," said Pooja Singh, a schoolteacher at a private school in Chandigarh. "I was thinking of PU because it was near my home and I could go to the university in case of any requirement. But now, I will go in for IGNOU course, which is much cheaper," she said.
Madhurima Verma, chairperson of USOL, said that the centre ran 26 courses that were popular among rural students, housewives, defence personnel and in-service employees, who are interested in enhancing their qualification. At USOL, the study material is sent to students by post and IGNOU offers a 15% discount in fee if a candidate chooses to procure study material in digital form.
However, unlike IGNOU, PU's distance learning centre also provides study material in Punjabi to the candidates, helping rural students who want to study in their mother tongue.
"We also offer contact classes to students for one week every semester, wherein they can come to the centre and clear their doubts. The students can also contact the faculty in advance and visit any time for personal counselling. They also get a membership card for library. IGNOU might be cheaper, but PU offers more facilities to students," Verma said.
The last date to apply for distance learning at USOL was August 18, though admissions can be made up to August 31 on payment of a late fee of Rs 1,000 if a candidate wants to apply.
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