Uttarakhand Open University (UOU), being one of the reputed state-open universities, was developed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in 2005. Haldwani Uttarakhand is the establishment site of UOU; the university is accredited both by the University Grants Commission and Distance Education Bureau and affiliated to the Association of Indian Universities. Today, it offers more than 80 programs across various courses and disciplines, from an undergraduate level to postgraduate and diploma, through a flexible open learning model. The university operates through 90 study centers spread across the state, with 13 established schools, with the aim of providing high-quality education to a wide range of students.
The university aims at catering to the educational needs of diverse groups, particularly women, tribals, and people in remote areas. UOU offers both Winter and Summer cycles. The admissions are strictly based on merit and entrance exam scores. For example, in the case of MBA, students can apply for admission depending on CAT/MAT or the entrance test conducted by the university. In some cases, such as in B.Ed, an entrance exam is also conducted.
UOU utilizes modern education tools, such as communication technologies and contact sessions, to improve the distance learning experience. The academic approach of the university focuses on developing a skilled and knowledgeable human resource base for the development of Uttarakhand. UOU aims to provide employment-oriented courses and maintain high academic standards for the personal and professional success of its students. In addition, the university has Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various research institutions, companies, and professional bodies for providing students with enriched learning opportunities.
Uttarakhand Open University continues to grow as a major provider of accessible higher education, making strides in empowering learners from all walks of life.
Uttarakhand Open University Rankings
Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) has been ranked 11th in the Science category by The Week in 2024, out of 88 colleges in India. Additionally, UOU holds the top position in the Science stream in Uttarakhand, demonstrating its prominence and strong academic reputation within the state. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing quality education in the field of science.
| Stream/Category |
Ranking in India |
Ranking in Uttarakhand |
| Science |
11 out of 88 |
1st in Uttarakhand |
Uttarakhand Open University Admissions
Admission to UOU is strictly based on merit in the university qualifying examination or entrance test. The admission process at Uttarakhand Open University is both online and offline for the two admission intakes; Summer and Winter. The open university shortlisted students on a first-cum-first-serve basis. It conducts an entrance test for B.Ed. and accepts CAT/ MAT scores for MBA program admissions. As soon as the candidate has completed registration and applies online, UOU posts the merit list on its website. Further proceedings involve shortlisted candidates by way of document verification and paying course fee. Step-wise applicants' process to seek admission in UOU are discussed as under:
How to Apply in Uttarakhand Open University?
- Log into the official website of Uttarakhand Open University @uou.ac.in Select Admission option on that site.
- Choose the course you want to enroll in and check the entry requirements, fee, and the duration of the program.
- Sign up with the email address and contact number.
- Access the application using the registration details. An applicant has to upload copies of your documents on the web admissions platform
- Pay the application fee through a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Submit and print the confirmation page for future reference.
- Wait for the allotment of your enrollment number and confirmation from the university regarding your admission.
Uttarakhand Open University Scholarships
Scholarships are available for the students who are studying in Uttarakhand Open University. These scholarships are provided by the government and UGC. The scholarships will be given to the applicants on merit and need basis of the student. An applicant can apply for the scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal and the UGC website. Some of the scholarships are as follows:
| Scholarships |
Details |
Scholarship Reward |
| PG Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders by UGC |
The scholarship will be given to undergraduate First and Second Rank winners who have been accepted into any Postgraduate CourseStudents who have enrolled in a conventional, full-time Master's degree program at a recognized university, acknowledged university, private university, autonomous college, or post-graduate college are eligible for the programApplication process: The National Scholarship Portal of the Government of India will only accept applications once a year.Additionally, a brief notice will be posted on the UGC website |
Amount of fellowship: INR 3100 per month for two years only i.e. full duration of a PG courseNo other additional grant will be payable in place of hostel charges and medical charges, etcThe student who is awarded Postgraduate Scholarship for University Rank Holders will not be debarred from accepting any other scholarships |
| Merit-Cum-Mean scholarships |
Students must have at least:
- 55% marks for general category and 50% for S.T/S.C students
- No income bar
- Should be enrolled in UG/ PG, program
|
Scholarship reward up to INR 130 per month for day scholars and up to INR 160 for Hostelers |
| Defence CRPF Scholarship |
A 5% scholarship on net tuition fees to the son/daughter of defense CRPF personnel for the entire program duration. |
Uttarakhand Open University infrastructures
Some of the major facilities at Uttarakhand Open University are as follows:
- Headquarters: The headquarters of the university is located in Haldwani. It houses the central administrative and academic functions.
- Dehradun Campus: This campus is one of the regional centers of the university. Academic and administrative facilities are provided.
- Regional Centers/Study Centers: UOU has various regional centers and study centers based in cities like Ranikhet and Pithoragarh that provide different services for various regions' students.
- Data Center: Haldwani, a city that holds its headquarters for the university data center for its website, intranet, internet, firewalls, and antivirus system.
- Information Technology Facilities: UOU updates its facilities so the students and staff members of this university would have the opportunity to benefit from the current technology and equipment.
- Learner Support Center: The centers support students in their respective academic pursuits and help them over any hurdles they may face in the process.
- Faculty: UOU has highly qualified and very well-qualified staff which works wholeheartedly to teach students the best values and knowledge in the world.
Uttarakhand Open University Placements
Uttarakhand Open University conducts annual placement drives for enrolled students. UOU has not yet issued the placement data for the academic year 2023. the following can be concluded:
UOU MBA gets a splendid placement record for the students. Students who are qualified will get INR 5.75 LPA as CTC.
Along with jobs, the always active UOU placement cell offers internship opportunities with top companies for students.
Students get prepared for interviews by different similar activities and seminars.
Top Recruiter
The table below showcases the list of a few top companies that were a part of the Uttarakhand Open University placements in recent years:
| Uttarakhand Open University Placements: Top Recruiters |
| The Marriott Group |
The Hyatt |
The Leela Group of Hotels |
| Radisson Blu Plaza |
JW Marriott, Aerocity |
Le Meridien Resort & Spa, Jaipur |
| Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa |
Hyatt Regency, Gurugram |
The ITC Group |
Conclusion
Uttarakhand Open University offers flexible and accessible education systems, with a wide range of programs in various disciplines. Distance learning has been given the focus in the university along with the strong infrastructure that supports the students coming from various backgrounds. With excellent faculty, good placement records, and ties with industry leaders, UOU offers a very promising opportunity for both academic and professional growth.
