![International Centre For Distance Education And Open Learning, Himachal Pradesh University - [ICDEOL]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1547809151Capture.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
International Centre for Distance Education and Open learning, popularly known as ICDEOL. It is a government institute in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, established in 1970 and affiliated with HPU. The institute is accredited by NAAC with an ‘A’ grade and approved by NCTE. Additionally, the institute is approved by UGC DEB and AICTE.
- First to start Distance Education in North India.
- It provides self-learning study materials supplemented by personal contact programs.
- Known for intellectually and professionally enriched faculty.
- CDOE Shimla allows both online and offline submission of admission forms, making it accessible to students across remote areas.
ICDEOL Shimla offers various courses at UG, PG, and diploma levels in disciplines like Arts, Science, and Commerce. Popular programs include MA, B.Ed., and BA. Admission is based on merit.
Official Website: ICDEOL
ICDEOL Courses and Fees 2025
ICDEOL offers various distance education courses at UG and PG levels in disciplines like Arts, Science, and Commerce. It offers courses on a full-time and part-time basis, which accommodates diverse interests in learning.
ICDEOL Full-time courses include PG courses like M.Sc., MCA, and MBA for students looking for intensive study. Part-time courses, such as M.A., B.Ed., and diploma programs, provide flexibility for professionals and students wishing to learn while working. Popular programs at CDOE include MA, B.Ed., and BA. ICDEOL Courses and Fees are given below.
| Course Name | Eligibility | First-Year Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Courses | ||
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | Graduation | INR 6,840 |
| MCA | Graduation | INR 52,840 |
| PG Diploma | Graduation | INR 7,440 - INR 20,000 (Total) |
| Part-Time Courses | ||
| M.A | Graduation | INR 6,600 - INR 30,600 |
| B.Ed | Graduation | INR 14,800 |
| B.A | 10+2 | INR 4,800 |
| MBA | Graduation | INR 36,600 |
| Diploma | Graduation | INR 20,200 - INR 21,100 (Total) |
| B.Com | 10+2 | INR 5,400 |
ICDEOL Admission 2025
ICDEOL offers distance learning admissions across a broad academic spectrum, providing programs at the UG, PG, and Diploma levels. Key academic streams available for enrollment include Arts, Science, and Commerce. Admission is merit-based, which is based on the last qualifying exam marks. The online application form can be found on the university’s official website for students who fulfill the admission criteria set by the degree program, or students may directly go to the ICDEOL Admission.
Students first have to deposit the admission fee of INR 500 (which is non-refundable).
- For the distance learning programs offered by HPU ICDEOL, there are no entrance exams required for admission.
- It is mandatory for the students to deposit a hard copy of the form along with self-attested photocopies of the required documents in the concerned branch by hand or by post.
- All students must create their ABC ID and DEB ID before getting registered for fresh admission.
![ICDEOL Admission Overview]()
Admissions Process for ICDEOL
Candidates applying to ICDEOL HPU for any distance education programs can obtain admission through their official website. Here are some steps and instructions to fill out a CDOE online application form:
- Step 1. They must choose which distance education course they would like to apply for.
- Step 2. Now you will go to ICDEOL's official website and review the admissions prospectus.
- Step 3. Now you will be sent to the admissions homepage and will be required to select the “Register Now” button.
- Step 4. At this point, you will be asked to provide an applicant ID, and to generate the ID, you will have to provide your name, email address, ID proof, and contact details.
- Step 5. You may now log in to the account and provide your applicant ID and the applicant password.
- Step 6. You will now provide the information relating to your personal information, educational details, and contact details.
- Step 7. You will now attach your signed documents, such as your birth certificate and academic documents that are required for all students.
- Step 8. You will now pay the application fee that is required through the payment gateway that is provided.
- Step 9. Proceed forward and now select the “Submit Button” tab.
- Step 10. Make a copy of the registration form to refer to later for your records.
![ICDEOL Admission process]()
Documents Required
Given below is an infographic showing the documents required during ICDEOL HPU Admission.
ICDEOL vs IGNOU
ICDEOL is compared with IGNOU in certain metrics given below:
| Metric | ICDEOL (HPU, Shimla) | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | Established in 1971 as part of Himachal Pradesh University | Established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament |
| Type | State University Distance Education Wing | Central Open University |
| NAAC Accreditation | HPU is accredited with an A grade | IGNOU is accredited with an A++ grade |
| Recognition | UGC-DEB approved, valid for the government. jobs & higher studies | UGC-DEB approved, internationally recognized |
| Scale of Operations | Regional focus, primarily Himachal Pradesh & nearby states | Largest open university in the world (3.5+ million students) |
| Course Offerings | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate programs | Very wide: UG, PG, Diplomas, Certificates, Professional & Research (PhD, MPhil) across 21 Schools of Study |
| Specialization Strength | Strong in Education, Humanities, and Regional Studies | Strong in Management, Social Sciences, IT, Health Sciences, and International Programs |
| Study Materials | Printed material + limited e-resources; focus on traditional distance mode | Blended: Printed books, IGNOU eGyankosh, mobile app, online lectures, and SWAYAM MOOCs |
| Examination & Evaluation | Yearly/semester exams and assignments carry weightage | Flexible term-end exams twice a year (June & December) + assignments |
| Fee Structure | Affordable government fees (slightly higher than IGNOU) | Among the lowest in India, highly subsidized |
| Regional Centers | Limited (mainly in Himachal Pradesh) | 67 regional centers + 2000+ study centers across India and abroad |
| Student Support | Good for local students, but limited online services | Extensive online/student support, international reach |
| Placement/Alumni | Alumni in teaching, civil services, and state govt jobs | An alumni network across India and abroad in multiple professions |
| Flexibility | Less flexible (fixed schedule, fewer exam options) | Highly flexible with an open learning model & exam choice |
| Global Reach | Regional, mainly for Himachal students | International centers in 40+ countries |
ICDEOL Campus and Facilities
The International Centre for Distance Education and Open Learning (now known as CDOE) is situated in the Summer Hill campus of Himachal Pradesh University.
- ICDEOL is about 5 km from the city centre of Shimla.
- The campus itself is 200 acres in size and has plenty of greenery, with a beautiful view.
- It has modern classrooms and advanced IT services for distance learners.
- ICDEOL has its own library with about 22,544 books, access to digital learning resources, and Personal Contact Programme centres for academic support.
ICDEOL Campus Tour
This is a video by Pahad Wala, a YouTuber who showcased the ICDEOL campus buildings, canteen, library, playground, classrooms, labs, and more.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Library | Distance learners can borrow up to 2 books at a time; outstation loans and inter-library facility with the HPU main library are available. |
| Learning / IT Support | Equipped with strong IT infrastructure, e-learning resources, and PCPs to support students. |
| Transport Access | Easily accessible regular bus services and university transport are available. |
| Facilities for Special Needs | Fee concessions for visually impaired students and infrastructural support for differently abled learners. |
| Hostel / Accommodation | Limited hostel accommodation is provided when required, the faculty house may be used for students during PCPs. |
Entrance
Main Library
Computer Lab
Library
ICDEOL FAQs 2025
Ques. What distinguishes ICDEOL from other distance institutions in India?
Ans. ICDEOL is one of the first institutions to start distance education in the early 1970s in India. It offers self-learning study material, personal contact programs, and online alternatives for learning, ensuring flexibility while maintaining quality. It holds an NAAC ‘A’ grade, and UGC-DEB is rendered credence by officials for higher studies.
Ques. Is there good student support for distance learning students at ICDEOL?
Ans. Yes, ICDEOL provides distance learning students with strong support features, especially with its Personal Contact Programmes, where distance learning students meet with faculty members in person. It has a library, IT support, and accessible infrastructure for differently able students. Faculty guidance and student-friendly policies further contribute to the supportive environment. Based on the above features, ICDEOL offers excellent support better than many distance learning institutions that students would receive elsewhere.
Ques. Can students become alumni of ICDEOL?
Ans. Students of ICDEOL affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University will become members of the alumni association of the university, since there is no alumni association dedicated to ICDEOL. However, all graduates, including distance education graduates, are incorporated into the alumni experience.
All graduates, including ICDEOL graduates, have been granted access to career connections, networking opportunities, opportunities to attend events, and to access resources. Therefore, distance education alumni of ICDEOL will have an equal status with other graduates of the university alumni association.
Ques. Are the degrees awarded by ICDEOL valid for jobs and higher studies?
Ans. Yes, ICDEOL degrees are valid for jobs in government services and the private sector, as it is recognized by UGC DEB, AICTE, and NCTE. Also, it is affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University, which is a reputed and respectable university in terms of academics. Students who complete their degrees are eligible to apply for government examinations as well as for additional higher education.
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Comments
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ICDEOL courses are offered at UG, PG, Diploma level. There are 36 courses offered at ICDEOL. The courses are offered in fields like Education, Science, Management, Computer Applications. ICDEOL courses includes M.Sc, MCA, PG Diploma, B.Ed, M.A, BA, MBA, Diploma, B.Com. The popular courses at ICDEOL is M.Sc, MCA, PG Diploma.
ICDEOL BA is offered as 3 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for BA is 10+2. The total fees for the ICDEOL BA are INR 11,600 for the complete course duration. The fee for the BA course is mentioned below:
The International Centre for Distance Education and Open Learning (ICDEOL) at Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through distance education. It does not offer the Master’s program in Agricultural Science.
The International Centre for Distance Education and Open Learning (ICDEOL) at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, offers a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program through distance learning. The last date for submitting applications is 17 March 2025.
A candidate possessing a graduate degree in any faculty from a recognized University in India or abroad shall be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Yoga Studies.
Candidates must have a passed Graduation from a recognized university. The fee per year is INR 14,800.
You need to contact directly to the ICDEOL Shimla to know the eligibility criteria as it is not available in online mode.
IS MSC (CHEMISTRY) IS ALSO AVAILABLE?
ICDEOL Shimla does not have M.Sc. Chemistry course available.
Check here for the MA from the International Centre For Distance Education And Open Learning
i want to apply for ma political science
You can apply for admission to MA Political Science on the basis of marks secured in the previous qualifying examination.
Admission for ICDEOL Shimla has already been over by September 2023.
You can check out the admission procedure at IC DEOL Shimla Admission.