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Details of Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata

An Online/Distance MA Course is a postgraduate degree program delivered through an online learning medium and a digital learning management system. The Online/Distance MA Course is efficiently designed by industry experts to provide a flexible and accessible learning experience among remote learners and individuals who cannot be physically available in classrooms due to the regular education system. Several Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata offer high-quality online education content and a flexible learning process of education programs to support consistent learning and smooth acquisition of Higher Education degrees.

The top Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata that offer highly valuable and equally credible online education programs among students across India are Rabindra Bharati University, Aligarh Muslim University, Sikkim Manipal University, Integral University, Amity University, IGNOU, Manipal University Jaipur and Jamia Hamdard. These universities are UGC-DEB certified and affiliated by NAAC for high-quality education standards and complete support for students, such as interactive learning, practical projects, internships, networking and many more.

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Top Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata for 2025

Rabindra Bharati University

Rabindra Bharati University is one of the finest Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata, known for its highly focused education programs in different fields with a strong Legacy and consistency. The University of our Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata for Rs 30000 with access to popular specialisations including English education, History, Sanskrit, Bengali environment and studies, Political Science and geography, well-affiliated and accredited by UGC-DEB, NAAC A, AICTE. Ravindra Bharati University offers a hybrid learning system method with an open distance learning mode of education, ensuring the delivery of equally valuable skills and knowledge among individuals.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A, AICTE
Course Fees INR 30,000/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation Sanskrit, Bengali, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, History, Education, English
Mode of Education Open Distance Learning
Learning System Method Hybrid
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A
Admission Process

Admission into this programme is done through online/offline mode

Free Consultation

Aligarh Muslim University

Aligarh Muslim University is one of the top online education universities in India that offer Online/Distance MA Courses in Kolkata with industry industry-relevant curriculum to provide career-specific skills and ensure good employability and a secure career for graduates. It is one of the best universities to pursue an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata due to its flexible and highly affordable online education programs that provide high accessibility and convenience to study anytime, anywhere among students and working professionals. Online and Distance MA Course from Aligarh Muslim University in Kolkata is available for Rs 31300 with UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES certification and access to specialisation including Urdu, English, economics, history, political science and Hindi.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES
Course Fees INR 31,300/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation English, Economics, Hindi, Political Science, History, Urdu
Mode of Education Open Distance Learning
Learning System Method Hybrid
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

Sikkim Manipal University

Sikkim Manipal University is a decent choice for an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata because it is one of the top-rated online education providers in India. UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES-affiliated Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata offered by Sikkim Manipal University focuses on practical knowledge and career-specific skill development opportunities that help individuals to pursue a preferred job profile in top organisations. An Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Sikkim Manipal University is available for 75000 with English, Political Science, and Sociology as specialisations. The online mode of education and learning system of Sikkim Manipal University ensures high quality and flexibility of all education programs supported by dedicated faculty.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE,WES
Course Fees INR 75,000/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation English, Sociology, Political Science
Mode of Education Online /Distance
Learning System Method Online
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

Integral University

Integral University is one of the top Online/Distance learning MA Colleges in Kolkata, known for providing an advanced learning management system to support a valuable learning experience for students. Integral University offers an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata with complete flexibility to study anytime, anywhere and help individuals to develop career-oriented skills and knowledge through an industry-aligned curriculum and global exposure to relevant skills. An Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Integral University is available for Rs 35,500 with English, economics, political science, Sociology, and history as specialisations, well-affiliated and accredited by UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE
Course Fees INR 35,500/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation English, History, Sociology, Political Science, Economics
Mode of Education Online and Distance
Learning System Method Online
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

Amity University

Amity University is one of the popular Online and Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata that offer UGC DEB-approved online distance education programs, making it a compelling choice among students and working professionals. Amity University offers an industry-oriented curriculum for an online distance MA course in Kolkata that helps individuals to learn practical skills and applicable knowledge, leading to better employability in the market. Online & Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Amity University costs Rs 250000 with Psychology, journalism & Mass Communication, public policy & governance as options for specialisation and is affiliated by UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE,WES
Course Fees INR 2,50,000/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation Psychology, Public Policy & Governance, Journalism & Mass Communication
Mode of Education Online and Distance
Learning System Method Online
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

IGNOU

IGNOU is one of the top and affordable Online/Distance Colleges in Kolkata, which has a high-quality online education program with its established and consistent reputation in delivering distance education programs across India. IGNOU offers affordable, widely accessible, and flexible online education programs with high-quality study material that ensures quality skill development and vast networking opportunities for individuals. Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata from IGNOU is available at 15400 with UGC-DEB, NAAC A++, AICTE, WES certification and access to popular specialisations including English, Hindi, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, History, Public Administration, Journalism & Mass Communication, Philosophy, Urdu and Sanskrit.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A++, AICTE, WES
Course Fees INR 15,400/- ( Exam fee excluded)
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation English, Hindi, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, History, Public Administration, Journalism & Mass Communication, Philosphy, Urdu, Sanskrit
Mode of Education Open Distance Learning
Learning System Method Hybrid
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A++
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

Manipal University Jaipur

Manipal University Jaipur is one of the decent Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata, with popular high academic standards and a well-curated online distance education process. Manipal University Jaipur offers an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata with UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES affiliations and accreditations, insurance, well-acceptability and credibility of degrees among Indian and global recruiters. An Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Manipal University Jaipur is available for Rs 80000 in economics and Journalism & Mass Communication as a specialisation. Manipal University offers a completely online learning system and mode of education that allows students to study anytime, anywhere.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE,WES
Course Fees INR 80,000/-
Course Duration 2 years
Specialisation Economics, Journalism & Mass Communication
Mode of Education Online and Distance
Learning System Method Online
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

Jamia Hamdard

Jamia Hamdard is one of the good Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata that focuses on providing affordable and accessible higher education programs among students across India. Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Jamia Hamdard is suitable for both students and working professionals because it is highly flexible and allows individuals to study at their own pace, anywhere, anytime. Online and Distance MA Course in Kolkata from Jamia Hamdard is well-affiliated and accredited by UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE, and WES to deliver credible and valuable education. Online and Distance MA Course from Jamia Hamdard is available at 26500 with Islamic Studies and Political Science as specialisation.

Course Name MASTER OF ARTS (MA)
Course Level Post Graduation
Course Affiliation UGC-DEB, NAAC A+, AICTE,WES
Course Fees INR 26,500/-
Course Duration 3 years
Specialisation Political Science, Islamic Studies
Mode of Education Distance
Learning System Method Online/Distance
Eligibility Criteria Candidates must passed 10+2 from a recognized board
NAAC Ranking A+
Admission Process Admission into this programme is done through online mode
Free Consultation

How to Select the Best Online/Distance MA College in Kolkata

To select one of the best Online/Distance MA College in Kolkata, individuals need to focus on all important aspects of the distance education program, such as program alignment with educational and professional course reputation and accreditation of the college and validity and credibility of the degree among recruiters. They also need to consider personal interest, time commitments and career aspirations before selecting an Online/Distance MA College in Kolkata. It is also recommended to consider the available resources, affordability, accessible faculty and other benefits of the course.

Accreditation and Reputation

The MA program delivered online should be recognized by major educational organisations since accreditation is a sign of educational quality. It should be NAAC accredited. Check the reviews and ratings as well as alumni testimonies to determine the position of the college in the academic and job markets.

01

Curriculum and Specializations

Select a program that provides adequate and up-to-date curriculum requirements that include areas of computer applications and programming. Search for colleges which provide certain subject-focus or certain areas of study so that you can rightly focus and major in what you like most and will make you get a good job when you are through.

02

Faculty and Support Services

Select colleges which have highly educated, qualified and experienced faculty. The college should also have technological resources for the students to provide online education flexible to their needs. The colleges should also have an effective IT help desk which can serve the students virtually.

03

Infrastructure and Technological Support

Choose a college that has efficient technological support such as a user-friendly online class platform and stable internet connection. Appropriate levels of technology support enable the users to easily manoeuvre in the online classes and have efficient remote communications with the instructors and other learners.

04

Required Entrance Exams for Online/Distance MA Admission in Kolkata Colleges

Generally, an entrance exam is not required to pursue an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata because several distance learning programs in top colleges offer direct admission. However, some Online/Distance MA Colleges require individuals to clear a relevant entrance exam, such as CPGET or IPU CET.

List of Specialisations for Online/Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata

Graduates of an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata can pursue a wide range of job profiles, including teacher, journalist, content writer, public policy manager, researcher, educator, financer, accountant, HR manager, customer service manager, sales and many more. The top recruiters of Online and Distance MA Graduates in India include both government and private organisations such as Amazon, ICICI Bank, Myntra and many more. These organisations offer decent salary prospects for MA graduates of a distance learning course in Kolkata at the generally ranging from Rs 3 to 6 lakh per annum entry-level positions.

Career Opportunities After Completing an
Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata

Graduates of an Online/Distance MA Course in Kolkata can pursue a wide range of job profiles, including teacher, journalist, content writer, public policy manager, researcher, educator, financer, accountant, HR manager, customer service manager, sales and many more. The top recruiters of Online Distance MA Graduates in India include both government and private organisations such as Amazon, ICICI Bank, Myntra and many more. These organisations offer decent salary prospects for MA graduates of a distance learning course in Kolkata at the generally ranging from Rs 3 to 6 lakh per annum entry-level positions.

Areas of Employment for Online/Distance MA
with top recruiters and average salary

Several areas of employment are available for Online/Distance MA Graduates in India among top recruiters with decent salary prospects, including teaching, journalism, Development and social work, human resources, business development, content development, content writing, policy Research, marketing, etc.

Employment Area Departments / Job Profile Details Average Salary (LPA) Top Recruiters
Education & Academia Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Academic Content Developer ₹3 – ₹6 LPA Jadavpur University, Presidency University, Calcutta University, Byju’s
Media & Journalism Content Writer, Editor, Reporter, Media Analyst ₹3 – ₹7 LPA The Telegraph, Anandabazar Patrika, ABP News, Hindustan Times
Publishing & Editing Proofreader, Sub-editor, Publishing Coordinator ₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA Oxford University Press, Sahitya Akademi, Ananda Publishers
Public Administration & Policy Policy Analyst, Public Relations Officer, Government Relations ₹4 – ₹9 LPA Govt. of West Bengal, NITI Aayog (via consultancies), Observer Research Foundation
Corporate Communication & PR Corporate Communications Executive, PR Associate, Brand Communications Officer ₹4 – ₹7.5 LPA Adfactors PR, Genesis BCW, Weber Shandwick, Reliance Communications

Top Other Locations for Online/Distance MA Colleges in India

Online and Distance MA Colleges in Kolkata 2025

The Online/Distance MA Course of RBU provides flexible learning and quality study materials. Professors were knowledgable, and the curriculum was well-structured. However, occasional tech issues during learning affected the experience slightly.

Rohit (RBU )

I appreciated the convenience of online classes provided by Manipal University while working full-time. The assignments were challenging but relevant. More interactive sessions would improve students engagement.

Ekta Dass (Manipal University )

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    What is an APAAR ID?

    The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID is a unique student identification system designed to track a student’s educational journey from school to higher education.

    Key Features and Benefits of APAAR ID

    • Acts as Unified Student ID: APAAR ID ensures a one-off and lifelong student ID for all students, facilitating continuity and seamless academic records. 
    • Facilitates Government Schemes and Scholarships: The students could avail subsidies and other benefits about education in a very easy way. 
    • Documentation Hassle Reduction: There is no requirement for any other IDs and documents, and easy verification of students is achieved. 
    • Supports Learners Progress Tracking: It tracks the progress of the learners at schools, colleges, or universities over periods. 
    • Encourages Planning in Education: It helps in making data-based decisions to improve the infrastructure relevant to education policymakers. Thus, the records of students would be made available digitally and would be accessible with ease, thus benefiting both students and institutions through the enhancement of the transparency and efficiency of the education systems. 

    Key Differences between ABC ID or APAAR ID

    Feature ABC ID APAAR ID
    Purpose Tracks academic credits Tracks students' entire academic journey
    Who Can Get It? College/university students School/college/University students
    Key Benefit Helps in credit transfer & multiple entry-exit Provides a lifelong academic record along with credit transfer
    Linked to UGC & Higher Education School & College Education
    Integration NEP 2020, Higher Education School Education, Government Schemes

    While the ABC ID allows higher education students to transfer credits and also allows flexible learning, an APAAR ID is a universal student identifier beyond school. These IDs are important for digital education in specific respects.

    The ABC ID applies to students going for higher studies, whereby they would need flexibility in completing courses. On the other hand, the APAAR ID is about creating a continuous academic record of primary, secondary, and higher education details for easy tracking of students' academic journeys by the authorities so that they can be assisted timely when needed.

    In addition, the APAAR ID serves the purpose of efficiency in resource allocation and targeted policies for educational programs of the government. In contrast, ABC ID will allow students to take interdisciplinary studies and credit-based learning freely.

    Impact of ABC ID/APAAR ID on Digital India

    The introduction of ABC ID and APAAR ID forms the fulcrum of the digital transformation of education in India. Their impact stretches across multiple domains.

    Seamless Education System

    • Digital records promote continuity in education without paperwork.
    • Students will not face any documentation hurdles while changing among different institutions.
    • Facilitates multiple-entry multiple-exit systems, which is a key NEP 2020 principle.

    Easier Access to Scholarships and Government Benefits

    • APAAR ID has made scholarship disbursement and tracking a simple affair.
    • It acts as a guardian ensuring that all direct benefits of government education schemes reach the target beneficiaries.
    • It reduces bureaucratic holdups in fund release.

    Paperwork and Fraud Reduced

    • Digital storage of credentials effectively precludes fake degrees and tampering with records.
    • Verification of the student records can be done instantaneously by organizations.  

    Better Career Opportunities for Those With Verified Credentials

    • Employers can easily verify their academic qualifications.
    • Students acquire their own credible and secure digital academic profiles.
    • Employment application has become much easier.

    Supports NEP 2020 Objectives

    • Provides maximum flexibility to the learning process and enables multi-disciplinary approaches to learning.
    • Contributes toward building an integrated, digitally-first educational infrastructure.
    • The IDs reduce manual record-keeping and facilitate precise tracking of academics, thus fostering a transparent and efficient education system. 

    Applying for ABC ID/APAAR ID?

    Steps to get ABC ID

    • Open the Academic Bank of Credits portal.
    • Click on Register/Login.
    • Complete Aadhaar Details for verification.
    • Enter academic details and link your institution.
    • Download and generate your ABC ID.

    How to get an APAAR ID

    • APAAR ID is provided by schools/colleges through DigiLocker to student/parents that register on DigiLocker Portal.
    • Add Aadhaar and school details;
    • institution links records with APAAR database.
    • Downloading and using the APAAR ID can provide benefits in education. 

    These steps have simplified student access to their digital academic records. 

    Conclusion

    ABC ID has been renamed as APAAR ID now, reflecting its updated identity and expanded scope. The introduction of ABC ID and APAAR ID is a game-changer in the education system of India, where students from different levels have the facility of transparency, and have ensured availability and at the same time are not restricted by the immediate time. The one-time introduction is India's Digital India movement and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which is in unison with the vision, which envisages the holistic academic system of the technology-driven environment.

    College students now have the leverage to independently seek flexibility, as well as the mechanisms required for multiple entry-exit, and lifelong learning via ABC ID. This paves the way for a smoother and faster progression in the pursuit of their desired education paths. At the same time, APAAR ID functions as a lifelong student identity that reduces the employment of government employees for student tracking, simplification, and also the task of establishing and maintaining an integrated academic record from school to college.

    All in all, the two branding strategies of educational digitalization do the magic of reducing paper consumption, minimizing education cheating, and including all the individuals in the digital platform, where educational authorities may review their academic certificates quickly. The learning institutions have brought about a new era in their record-keeping functions and this has helped them to be more accountable to their audiences and also allowed them to be in a better position to make timely adjustments in their educational strategies based on the developments in the field of academics.

    When it becomes inevitable for India to become a digital society, then students, parents, and educators have to walk hand-in-hand with the latest technologies that come with it. Not only this but also ABC ID and APAAR ID can enable a paperless induction of students, it can ensure that every educational institution can become digital and can get assistance round the clock. This digital transformation works by schools using digital cards and other digital tools with technological things such as battery life and wireless error correction. All this adds up to the global environment of the internet. India is creating a new digital economy. Get ready to experience new and better AI, enhanced global recognition, and increased data security through blockchain.

    More people will become involved in educational technology. Recognize and identify with digital identity and digital citizenship, as well as the capability to borrow the same level of digital knowledge, and the ability to integrate the digital into their education systems.

    FAQ's About Differences of ABC ID vs APAAR ID

    Is ABC/APAAR ID compulsory for all the students? 

    Yes, ABC ID is highly advisable for all the students. It is very important in the matter of tracing academic credit, and facilitating credit transfer, as well as the better way to develop an academic record system that is student-centric. 

    Will APAAR ID supersede ABC ID? 

    No APAAR ID will not supersede ABC ID. APAAR ID has the purpose of differentiating the individual student but ABC ID is needed for tracking and transfer of academic credits in higher education institutions, so it is very important for students pursuing higher studies. 

    What will happen If I lose my ABC ID/APAAR ID? 

    Suppose you lost your ABC ID or APAAR ID. In that case, you will be able to recover it by visiting the respective portals and by Aadhaar verification attached with a record of academics to reclaim it while keeping the credentials intact. 

    Can school students apply for APAAR ID? 

    Yes, APAAR ID is available for each student from school to enable the academic performance identification of students. 

    Is ABC ID renamed as APAAR ID?

    Yes, ABC ID has been renamed as APAAR ID, reflecting its updated identity and expanded scope. 

    Are these IDs valid for study outside the country? 

    Currently, these IDs are intended only for use in India. However, it is dependent on future developments that could allow students to use these IDs for credit transfer or higher education opportunities internationally.

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    FAQ’s of Ma/online Distance Ma Colleges In Kolkata

    When does the admission cycle for Online MA colleges in Kolkata usually begin?

    Are there any low-cost or government-funded Online MA colleges in Kolkata?

    Which sectors typically hire Online MA graduates from Kolkata?

    How is the educational journey of a student pursuing an Online MA course in Kolkata?

    Is Kolkata a good city for Online postgraduate education and cultural exposure?

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