About Us

Open and Distance Learning Programme

Open and Distance Learning reflects both the fact that all or most of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in time and space from the learner, and that the mission aims to include greater dimensions of openness and flexibility, whether in terms of access, curriculum or other elements of structure. Contributing to social and economic development, Open and Distance Learning is fast becoming an accepted and indispensable part of the mainstream educational systems.

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar is accredited at A++ grade (highest level) by NAAC, conferred ‘University with Potential for Excellence’ and ‘Category-I University’ by UGC, New Delhi.

Under the provision of UGC Regulations 2018 for Category-I Higher Educational Institutions, the Directorate of Open and Distance Learning was established in 2018 in the main campus. W.e.f. session 2020-21, the Directorate is offering 15 different courses in areas of Computer Science, Business Management, Commerce, Languages, Humanities, Sports Nutrition, and Journalism and Mass Communication.

Salient Features of Our Courses

Online Admission Process

Complete your admission and fee payment seamlessly through our online portal.

Weekend PCP Classes

Personal Contact Programme (PCP) classes held on weekends for all subjects/courses.

Self-Learning Materials

Access SLMs on the Student Portal, with hard copy (printed format) provisions also available.

Credit Based System

All courses operate under a modern, flexible Credit Based Semester System.

Internal Assessments

Provision for 30% Internal Assessments integrated into all Subjects and Courses.

Vice Chancellor’s Message

It is with deep humility, and a sense of academic responsibility that I extend a warm welcome to all visitors to the official website of Guru Nanak Dev University.

Rooted in the universal philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and inspired by the ideals of inclusivity, service, and enlightenment, GNDU stands as a beacon of higher learning dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, intellectual inquiry, ethical leadership, and social transformation. Our mission is not merely to impart education, but to nurture enlightened minds, compassionate hearts, and responsible global citizens capable of addressing the complex challenges of the contemporary world.

Excellence and Accreditations

For its outstanding academic and research contributions, the University has been rightfully conferred the prestigious status of “University with Potential for Excellence” by the UGC and accredited with the highest “A++” grade (3.85 on a 4-point scale) by NAAC. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has also recognized GNDU among the top ten “High Performing State Public Universities” across the country.

Global and National Rankings

In national and international rankings, GNDU continues to scale new heights. In THE WEEK–HANSA Research Survey 2025, the University was ranked among the top 12 universities in India. It secured the 44th rank nationally in the EduRank Survey 2025 and 12th position among top general government universities in India Today–MDRA 2025. In the QS World University Rankings, GNDU attained 329th rank in Asia (2026).

Sports, Culture & Sustainability

GNDU has carved a remarkable niche in sports, culture, and youth development. The University has won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy a record 25 times. In recognition of its commitment to environmental sustainability, GNDU has been honored as “One District One Green Champion” by MGNCRE, Ministry of Education.

Research, Innovation & Future Readiness

In alignment with emerging global trends, GNDU has established the “Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI” and a cutting-edge “5G Use Case Lab”. The Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GJCEI) currently supports 14 startups. With an h-index rising to 175 in 2026, our faculty members have been awarded high-value research projects by agencies like MHRD, DST, CSIR, and BARC.

Commitment to Students

With a forward-looking vision, GNDU has embraced digital transformation. Our dynamic Placement Cell ensures professional readiness, with over 80% of students securing placements in leading multinational companies. In its steadfast commitment to inclusive education, GNDU provides 5% reservation for students from border and rural areas, ensuring broader access to quality higher education.

I warmly invite students, scholars, researchers, educators, alumni, and global partners to engage with GNDU’s vibrant academic community and join us in shaping a future anchored in wisdom, inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence.

Message from the Director

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab), established the Directorate of Open & Distance Learning (ODL) in 2018 19 at its main campus with the objective of providing quality education beyond socio-economic, age, and time constraints. The Directorate aims to support learners in higher education, skill development, and career advancement.

The Directorate of ODL is duly approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC, New Delhi, to offer programmes under the ODL mode. It currently offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students are provided with Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) in both digital (free of cost via the website) and printed formats to ensure effective and flexible learning.

A dedicated online portal facilitates all academic and administrative processes, including admissions, fee payment, access to e-content, internal assignment submission, roll number generation, result declaration, and applications for re-evaluation and transcripts. To supplement distance learning, the Directorate conducts Personal Contact Programme (PCP) classes on weekends at the GNDU main campus, delivered by experienced faculty members. Students also have access to library facilities, and the Directorate continues to enhance learning through the effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

All programmes follow the Credit Based Semester System (CBSS) in accordance with UGC guidelines for ODL. Internal assessment constitutes 20% of the total evaluation, and examinations are conducted with transparency and strict adherence to the University's quality standards.

Dr. Subheet Kumar Jain

Director
Open & Distance Learning

DIRECTORATE OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

ਡਾਇਰੈਕਟੋਰੇਟ ਆਫ਼ ਓਪਨ ਐਂਡ ਡਿਸਟੈਂਸ ਲਰਨਿੰਗ

GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY

ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ

About Directorate of ODL