Best Online Universities in India
UGC-DEB entitled universities compared on recognition, fees, programme choice and learner support. The ranking method is stated in full — this is not a popularity list.
Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer
The best online university depends on your degree, budget and the specialisation you want. Start with UGC-DEB entitlement and NAAC grade, then compare the lowest published fee and the depth of the specific programme. The table below ranks 15 entitled universities on those criteria.
The evaluation criteria
UGC-DEB entitlement
The gate. Only universities entitled to offer degrees in online mode are ranked.
Accreditation quality
NAAC grade and the breadth of recognitions (AICTE, UGC, etc.).
Fees & value
Lowest published per-year fee across the university's online programmes.
Programme choice
How many distinct online degrees and specialisations are offered.
Learner & career support
Presence of a structured LMS, mentoring and placement partners.
Student rating
Average rating and review volume from verified learners, where available.
Ranked online universities
Click any university for its full profile, programmes and fee structure.
| # | University | Recognition | Programs | Fees from (per year) | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amity University Online Noida, Uttar Pradesh | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 11 | ₹95,000 | 4.3 | View |
| 2 | Lovely Professional University Online Jalandhar, Punjab | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | ₹25,000 | 4.3 | View |
| 3 | Chandigarh University Online Mohali, Punjab | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 15 | ₹21,860 | 4.1 | View |
| 4 | Amrita University Ettimadai, Coimbatore,, Tamil Nadu | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 6 | ₹40,000 | 4.6 | View |
| 5 | Jain University Online Bangalore, Karnataka | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | ₹30,000 | 4.2 | View |
| 6 | Kurushetra University Haryana, Haryana | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 6 | — | 4.0 | View |
| 7 | Manipal University Jaipur Online Jaipur, Rajasthan | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 3 | ₹50,000 | 4.4 | View |
| 8 | Shoolini University Solan, Himachal Pradesh | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 7 | — | 4.3 | View |
| 9 | Parul University Vadodara, Gujarat | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 5 | ₹37,000 | 4.1 | View |
| 10 | Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore, Tamil Nadu | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | — | 4.4 | View |
| 11 | NMIMS Mumbai , Maharashtra | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | — | 4.4 | View |
| 12 | Andhra University Visakhapatnam, AndhraPradesh | UGC-DEBNAAC A++ | 3 | — | 4.1 | View |
| 13 | Christ University Bengaluru, Karnataka | UGC-DEBNAAC A+ | 5 | — | 4.2 | View |
| 14 | Sikkim Manipal University Online Gangtok, Sikkim | UGC-DEBNAAC A | 3 | ₹26,000 | 4.0 | View |
| 15 | DY Patil Vidyapeeth Online Pune, Maharashtra | UGC-DEBNAAC A | 2 | ₹40,000 | 4.0 | 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. 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.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 6 online programmes · rated 4.0/5.
7. 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.
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 7 online programmes · rated 4.3/5.
9. 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.
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 3 online programmes · rated 4.4/5 by 200 students.
11. NMIMS
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 3 online programmes · rated 4.4/5.
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A++ · 3 online programmes · rated 4.1/5.
Holds UGC-DEB entitlement for online mode · NAAC A+ · 5 online programmes · rated 4.2/5 by 222 students.
14. 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.
15. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are online degrees from these universities valid in India?
Yes. Every university on this list is entitled by UGC-DEB to offer degrees in online mode, which makes the degree equivalent to a regular on-campus degree for higher study and employment, including most government jobs. Always confirm a university's current entitlement on the UGC-DEB website before enrolling.
How is this ranking decided?
By a fixed set of criteria — UGC-DEB entitlement, NAAC grade and other accreditations, lowest published fee, number of online programmes, and learner and career support. Universities are not ranked higher simply for being well known. The criteria are listed in full above the table.
Which online university has the lowest fees?
Fees vary by programme and specialisation. The comparison table shows the lowest published per-year fee for each university. For a fee-first shortlist, see our affordable online degrees page.
Can working professionals study at these universities?
Yes. Online mode is designed around recorded lectures, weekend live sessions and flexible assessment deadlines, so you can continue working. Most of these universities also offer EMI options on fees.
How do I choose between them?
Shortlist three or four on recognition and fee, then compare the specific specialisation you want — curriculum, exam pattern and career support differ by programme. A free counselling session can help you match a university to your goal and budget.