Affordable Online Degrees in India
UGC-DEB entitled online universities ranked by their lowest published fee — with EMI notes and an honest look at what you trade off at each price point.
Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer
The most affordable online degrees on this list start from about ₹21,860 per year from a UGC-DEB entitled university. A low fee does not affect a degree's validity — only the university's UGC-DEB entitlement does. Compare fee against live-class hours, placement support and the specialisation you actually need.
Lowest-fee online universities
Ranked by the lowest published per-year fee across each university's online programmes.
| # | University | Recognition | Programs | Fees from (per year) | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chandigarh University Online Mohali, Punjab | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 15 | ₹21,860 | 4.1 | View |
| 2 | Lovely Professional University Online Jalandhar, Punjab | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | ₹25,000 | 4.3 | View |
| 3 | Sikkim Manipal University Online Gangtok, Sikkim | UGC-DEBNAAC A | 3 | ₹26,000 | 4.0 | View |
| 4 | Jain University Online Bangalore, Karnataka | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | ₹30,000 | 4.2 | View |
| 5 | Parul University Vadodara, Gujarat | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 5 | ₹37,000 | 4.1 | View |
| 6 | Amrita University Ettimadai, Coimbatore,, Tamil Nadu | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 6 | ₹40,000 | 4.6 | View |
| 7 | DY Patil Vidyapeeth Online Pune, Maharashtra | UGC-DEBNAAC A | 2 | ₹40,000 | 4.0 | View |
| 8 | Manipal University Jaipur Online Jaipur, Rajasthan | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 3 | ₹50,000 | 4.4 | View |
| 9 | Assam Down Town University Guwahati, , Assam | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 1 | ₹70,000 | 4.2 | View |
| 10 | Amity University Online Noida, Uttar Pradesh | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 11 | ₹95,000 | 4.3 | View |
Fees are the lowest published figure across this university's online programmes and are indicative only. Confirm the exact current fee, EMI terms and scholarships with the university before applying.
1. Chandigarh University Online
from ₹21,860/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 15 online programmes · fees from ₹21,860/year · rated 4.1/5 by 389 students.
2. Lovely Professional University Online
from ₹25,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 3 online programmes · fees from ₹25,000/year · rated 4.3/5 by 723 students.
3. Sikkim Manipal University Online
from ₹26,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A · 3 online programmes · fees from ₹26,000/year · rated 4.0/5 by 198 students.
4. Jain University Online
from ₹30,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 3 online programmes · fees from ₹30,000/year · rated 4.2/5 by 501 students.
5. Parul University
from ₹37,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 5 online programmes · fees from ₹37,000/year · rated 4.1/5.
6. Amrita University
from ₹40,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 6 online programmes · fees from ₹40,000/year · rated 4.6/5.
7. DY Patil Vidyapeeth Online
from ₹40,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A · 2 online programmes · fees from ₹40,000/year · rated 4.0/5 by 276 students.
8. Manipal University Jaipur Online
from ₹50,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 3 online programmes · fees from ₹50,000/year · rated 4.4/5 by 654 students.
9. Assam Down Town University
from ₹70,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 1 online programme · fees from ₹70,000/year · rated 4.2/5.
10. Amity University Online
from ₹95,000/yrHolds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 11 online programmes · fees from ₹95,000/year · rated 4.3/5 by 812 students.
What you trade off at a lower fee
Live teaching
Lower-fee programmes often lean on recorded lectures with fewer scheduled live sessions. Check the live-class hours before enrolling.
Placement support
Dedicated placement cells and recruiter tie-ups are more common at higher-fee universities. Confirm what career support is actually included.
Brand recognition
A lesser-known but UGC-DEB entitled university is fully valid, but some private employers weigh brand. Recognition matters more than brand for government roles and higher study.
Specialisation depth
Budget programmes may offer fewer electives. If you need a specific specialisation, verify it is offered and how deep the curriculum goes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest online degree in India?
The lowest-fee options are online BA, B.Com and BCA programmes from state and UGC-DEB entitled private universities, some with total fees under ₹60,000. The table above shows the lowest published per-year fee for each university. Postgraduate degrees like online MBA and MCA cost more.
Are low-fee online degrees still valid?
Yes, as long as the university is entitled by UGC-DEB to offer the degree in online mode. Fee has no bearing on validity. Every university on this page meets that entitlement bar. Avoid providers that are not on the UGC-DEB list regardless of price.
Can I pay online degree fees in instalments?
Most universities on this list offer no-cost or low-interest EMI, typically monthly or per-semester. Some also work with education-loan partners. Confirm the exact EMI terms and any processing fee with the university.
Is a cheaper online MBA worth it?
It can be, if the university is UGC-DEB entitled and the specialisation you want is offered with a solid curriculum. Spend the saving on add-on certifications and projects that strengthen your profile. If you need structured placements, compare that specifically before choosing on price alone.
How do I find scholarships for online degrees?
Many universities offer merit, women, defence and early-bird fee waivers of 10–30%. These are rarely advertised prominently — ask the admissions team directly, or have a College For Me advisor negotiate the fee waiver before you confirm your seat.