Compare IGNOU Online and LPU Online: Fees, Recognition, Exams and Degrees
The choice between IGNOU Online, a central government university, and LPU Online, a private university, depends on programme fees, with IGNOU’s online MBA costing Rs. 66,000 and LPU Online’s MBA costing Rs. 2,00,000. IGNOU Online suits budget-conscious learners seeking a central university degree, while LPU Online caters to those prioritising a private university’s structure and wider specialisation options.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online: what each one is and how they differ
IGNOU Online is a National Open University, established by an Act of Parliament in 1985. LPU Online is the online learning mode of Lovely Professional University, a private university established in December 2005. IGNOU operates under Act No. 50 of 1985, which describes it as a Central University.
The Centre for Online Education (COE) at IGNOU, established on 7 June 2019, manages its online programmes. LPU Online is run by the Centre for Distance and Online Education, located in Phagwara, Punjab. IGNOU identifies online learners by a programme code with an ‘OL’ suffix, such as BCA_NEWOL. LPU Online offers programmes including MBA, M.Com, and BBA.
IGNOU states it has 67 regional centres and around 2,667 learner support centres university-wide. LPU Online’s address is Block 32, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar–Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab 144411. LPU Online states it offers 12 MBA specialisations, which can be single or dual. The medium of instruction for LPU Online is English, with a few Hindi core/elective courses in BA. IGNOU’s BFTTMOL programme, for example, is offered in online mode with English as the medium of instruction.
LPU Online provides study material online through its Learning Management System, including e-learning material, video lectures, and presentations. This e-learning material is structured into four quadrants: e-Tutorial, e-Content, Discussion forum, and Assessment.
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Institution type and founding | National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 Act No. 50 of 1985; described as a Central University |
Private university, established Dec 2005, dual mode State Private University |
| Online unit name | Centre for Online Education (COE), established on 7 June 2019 by renaming the Inter University Consortium | Online learning mode of Lovely Professional University (Centre for Distance and Online Education), Phagwara, Punjab |
| Headquarters address | Centre for Online Education, Block-17, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 | LPU Online, Block 32, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar–Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 |
IGNOU Online only
LPU Online only
- Institution type: Private
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online recognition and validity
IGNOU Online states its programmes are at par with those approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau. LPU is recognised by UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and holds Section 12B status. Both universities hold an A++ NAAC grade. IGNOU’s NAAC grade is A++, while LPU’s A++ grade has a score of 3.68, valid until 11-08-2028.
IGNOU states it is exempted from the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations, citing UGC letters from 2019 and 2020. LPU Online is entitled by UGC-DEB to offer online programmes, with years listed including 2026-27. IGNOU’s online MBA is described as an AICTE recognised/approved programme. LPU has AICTE NOC for its online MBA and MCA for academic years 2022-23 to 2026-27.
Degrees awarded by IGNOU are recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities. LPU Online degrees are recognised by WES for higher studies in Canada and USA. IGNOU states that UG/PG degrees and PG diplomas awarded through ODL and/or Online mode are equivalent to those offered through conventional mode, as per UGC Regulations clause 22. LPU states its online-mode degrees are treated at par with regular mode degrees, with the mode of delivery mentioned on the back of each degree.
The UGC-DEB lists 16 IGNOU online programmes for the 2026-27 July session, including BCA, B.Com, and MBA. LPU has MBA, MCA, BCA, BBA, BA, M.Com, MA English, MA History, MA Political Science, and MA Sociology listed as Online (OL) for the 2026-27 July session. IGNOU is ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025. LPU is ranked 31st among all government and private universities in NIRF 2025.
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| NAAC Grade | A++ | A++ with score 3.68 (year of assessment 2023; validity 11-08-2028, as printed in the UGC-DEB application LPU posts) Highest NAAC grade A++ with score 3.68 on a 4-point scale |
| NIRF Ranking | Ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025 | Ranked 31st among all government and private universities (NIRF 2025) |
| UGC Recognition Status | IGNOU states it is exempted from applicability of the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations (UGC letters dated 9 August 2019 and 17 March 2020) IGNOU states its programmes are at par with programmes approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau UG/PG degrees and PG diplomas awarded through ODL and/or Online mode are to be treated as equivalent to those offered through conventional mode IGNOU degrees/diplomas/certificates are stated to be at par with those of all Indian universities/institutions (July 2026) |
Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 Granted Section 12B status under the UGC Act, 1956 (date not stated) Recognised by UGC as Category 1 University with Grant of Graded Autonomy |
| AICTE Approval for MBA | IGNOU describes the online MBA as an AICTE recognized / AICTE approved programme | AICTE NOC for MBA and MCA in OL mode for academic years 2022-23 to 2026-27 |
| UGC-DEB Listed Online Programs – | 16 IGNOU programmes are listed with mode “Online(OL)” for 2026-27 (July): BCA, B.Com, BLIS, MA Distance Education, MA Journalism and Digital Media, MA Journalism and Mass Communication, MA Rural Development, MA Sustainability Science, MA Translation Studies, MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA English, MA Gandhi and Peace Studies, MA Hindi, MA Sanskrit | Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) Listed (Online(OL), 2026-27, July session) |
IGNOU Online only
LPU Online only
More on the IGNOU degree: whether an IGNOU degree is valid and IGNOU degree certificate, migration and convocation.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online eligibility: who can enrol
IGNOU Online requires applicants to have access to a computer, laptop, and internet, and to be comfortable with online learning. If a student is not comfortable with online learning, IGNOU advises them to enrol in the same programme through the ODL admission portal.
Indian nationals residing in India apply through ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for online programmes. Foreign students residing in other countries can apply at ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in. This portal covers overseas students from SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI (foreign students residing in India), and NRI categories for the July 2026 session. International students pay a one-time application processing fee of INR 2,000 for SAARC applicants and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants. Not all online programmes are open to international students; for example, the BCA (Online) programme is not offered to them. All applicants must provide a valid APAAR ID. Students may pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL or Online mode, subject to IGNOU’s specified combinations.
IGNOU Online only
- Online learning prerequisites: Enrol in an online programme only if you have access to a computer/laptop/internet and are comfortable with learning online
- Alternative for discomfort with online: Enrol in the same programme in ODL mode through the ODL admission portal instead
- International student eligibility: Foreign students residing in other countries can join the online programmes, applying at ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in/; Overseas students: SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI (foreign students residing in India) and NRI (July 2026); Example: the BCA (Online) page states it is not offered for international students
- Indian national admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programmes and ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online programmes
- APAAR ID requirement: Applicants have to provide a valid APAAR ID
- International application fee: INR 2,000 for SAARC and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants (as shown on the online programmes portal)
- Simultaneous program pursuit: A student may pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to the combinations IGNOU specifies
IGNOU entry rules: IGNOU eligibility criteria and IGNOU at a glance.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online courses offered
IGNOU Online’s Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) has a total fee of Rs. 49,800, while LPU Online’s BCA costs Rs. 1,50,000. For Master of Business Administration (MBA), IGNOU Online charges Rs. 66,000, whereas LPU Online’s MBA is Rs. 2,00,000.
Eligibility criteria vary between the two universities.
IGNOU Online only
- Number of online programs: 46 programmes for the July 2026 session: 5 Bachelor’s degrees, 14 Master’s degrees, 10 PG Diplomas, 3 Diplomas, 2 PG Certificates, 12 Certificates; 45 programmes (chapter 13); PGDINDSOL is on the admission portal but not in this list
- Online Bachelor’s degrees: BSW, BCA, B.Com, BLIS, Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management. No BA (General) is listed in online mode.
LPU Online only
- Maximum program duration: 2-year programmes: maximum 4 years; 3-year programmes: maximum 6 years
- MBA eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent, or CS (ICSI), CA (ICAI) or CMA
- MCA eligibility: BCA / B.Sc (CS/IT) / Bachelor’s degree in CSE/IT/ECE or equivalent; or any graduate with Mathematics/Statistics/QT/Business Math at graduation or 10+2 (with bridge courses for some)
- BCA eligibility: 10+2 in any stream or equivalent
- BBA eligibility: 10+2 in any stream or equivalent
- BA eligibility: 10+2 in any stream or equivalent
- M.Com eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with Commerce/Management/Economics/Accounts or Math/Economics as a subject, or equivalent
- MA English eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent
- MA History eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent
- MA Political Science eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent
- MA Sociology eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent
Minimum and maximum duration
| Programme | IGNOU Online duration | LPU Online duration |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | 3 years to 6 years | 3 years (6 semesters) to 6 years |
| MBA | 2 years to 4 years | 2 years (4 semesters) to 4 years |
| MCA | 2 years to 4 years | 2 years (4 semesters) to 4 years |
| M.Com | 2 years to 4 years | 2 years (4 semesters) to 4 years |
| MA English | 2 years to 4 years | 2 years (4 semesters) to 4 years |
Eligibility as published
| Programme | IGNOU Online eligibility | LPU Online eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | 10+2 or its equivalent or A pass in Diploma in Commercial Practice or equivalent | 10+2 in any stream or equivalent |
| MBA | Passed Bachelor Degree of Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category). | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent, or CS (ICSI), CA (ICAI) or CMA |
| MCA | Eligibility: Category 1: Passed BCA/Bachelor Degree in Computer Science Engineering or Equivalent Degree. OR Category 2: Passed B.Sc./B.Com./B.A. with Mathematics at 10+2 Level or at Graduation Level Students enrolling under Category-2 shall be required to study two additional courses – MCS-201 and MCS-208 in the first semester and pay an additional amount of Rs. 2000/-. | BCA / B.Sc (CS/IT) / Bachelor’s degree in CSE/IT/ECE or equivalent; or any graduate with Mathematics/Statistics/QT/Business Math at graduation or 10+2 (with bridge courses for some) |
| M.Com | Any graduate or equivalent from a recognised university is eligible for admission | Bachelor’s degree with Commerce/Management/Economics/Accounts or Math/Economics as a subject, or equivalent |
| MA English | Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent |
IGNOU course guides: IGNOU BA; IGNOU MBA; IGNOU MA; IGNOU MCA and IGNOU syllabus.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online fees, course by course
No refund is given after 60 days of the admission closing date. LPU Online’s refund schedule for the August 2026 session allows for a 100% refund (minus Rs. 500) if withdrawn 15 or more days before the last admission date, with decreasing percentages thereafter. Non-refundable items at LPU Online include application, processing, registration, late, and programme transfer fees.
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Refund before admission | Fee paid is refunded (July 2026) | 100% (minus Rs. 500) if withdrawn 15+ days before last date of admission; 90% less than 15 days before; 80% within 15 days after; 50% within 30 days after; 0% after 30 days (2026-27, August 2026 session) |
| Re-registration fee refund | Not refunded in any case (Common Prospectus July 2026) | Application, processing, registration, late, programme transfer fees non-refundable |
IGNOU Online only
- Refund for digital material: Fee is refunded after deducting the registration fee only (July 2026)
- Refund time limit: No refund after 60 days of the closing date of admissions (July 2026)
LPU Online only
- Included fees: Listed per-semester fee includes examination fee of Rs. 2,000 per semester (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27)
- Applicable regions: INR fee applies to applicants from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan
- Student grant: 20% Student Grant with no-cost EMI, valid until 31 Oct 2026 (applied to programme fee; not the listed fee)
- Sports scholarship: Full waiver of programme and exam fee plus registration fee for verified national/international-level achievers (categories A and A+)
- Jai Jawan scholarship: 100% tuition fee waiver for active Armed Forces, Paramilitary and SPG personnel in UG and PG online programmes; Applies to 2025-26 and 2026-27 sessions
- Refund calculation basis: Deduction percentage calculated on actual programme and exam fee, not the discounted amount paid
Fees of the programmes both run, as each publishes them
| Programme | IGNOU Online fee | LPU Online fee |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | Rs.8300/- per semester Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 25,000 per semester (programme fee Rs. 23,000 + examination fee Rs. 2,000); excludes Rs. 1,000 registration fee (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
| MBA | Rs.16,000/- per semester for 1st, 2nd and 4th semester Rs.18,000/- for 3rd semester (3rd semester has an 8-credit project) Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 50,000 per semester (programme fee Rs. 48,000 + examination fee Rs. 2,000); excludes Rs. 1,000 registration fee (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
| MCA | Rs.13000/- per semester Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 40,000 per semester (programme fee Rs. 38,000 + examination fee Rs. 2,000); excludes Rs. 1,000 registration fee (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
| M.Com | Rs.10200/- per year Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 25,000 per semester (programme fee Rs. 23,000 + examination fee Rs. 2,000); excludes Rs. 1,000 registration fee (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
| MA English | Rs.8200/- per year Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 20,000 per semester (programme fee Rs. 18,000 + examination fee Rs. 2,000); excludes Rs. 1,000 registration fee (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
IGNOU fees in full: IGNOU fee structure.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online admission: sessions, last dates and portals
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Current session | July 2026 session | August 2026 session (Academic Year 2026-27) |
| Current application deadline | 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes) (July 2026) 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes), July 2026 cycle |
31 October 2026 (2026-27 (August 2026 session)) |
| Admission cycles | Two cycles a year: January and July (Common Prospectus July 2026) | Batches start every 6 months |
| Registration fee | Rs. 300, non-refundable, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026) | Initial non-refundable registration fee Rs. 1,000 (not included in the programme fee) (August 2026 session (2026-27); application deadline 31 Oct 2026 as shown on pages fetched 2026-10-27) |
IGNOU Online only
LPU Online only
IGNOU admission this session: IGNOU admission 2026; how to apply to IGNOU online; IGNOU admission last date and IGNOU admission status.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online study material, classes and study centres
Theory sessions are two hours long, and practical sessions are three hours. For BCA Online, 70% attendance is compulsory for each lab course. For MCA Online, 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions is required for term-end practical examinations. IGNOU provides no hardware or software facility to online students.
For IGNOU Online, Regional Centres themselves are listed as “Study Centres” on the admission portal. For example, LSC code 0700 is Regional Centre Delhi-1. RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre for BCA_NEWOL students, and RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre for MCAOL students.
IGNOU Online only
- Study material format: No printed study material is provided to students enrolled in the online programmes; No provision of hard copy of self-instructional material for online students; Self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form, uploaded on the LMS; also on eGyankosh
- Learning Management System: IGNOU has created an LMS for online learners; online programmes are delivered on the university LMS (lms.ignouonline.ac.in); The LMS is a centralised portal for accessing all online programmes; After admission is confirmed the learner receives LMS credentials by email
- Practical sessions: Held only in online mode; learners use the required software at their own end; IGNOU provides no hardware or software facility to online students; 70% attendance compulsory for each lab course; Minimum 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions to be eligible for term-end practical examinations
- Counselling schedules: Regional Centres post counselling schedules for online programmes on the LMS (example dated 12 October 2026)
- Nodal Regional Centre: RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre for BCA_NEWOL students; RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre for MCAOL students; Confined to holding academic counselling sessions; it also gets LMS-submitted assignments evaluated
IGNOU books and centres: IGNOU study material and IGNOU regional and study centres.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online assignments and exams
IGNOU Online and LPU Online differ in their examination modes. LPU Online conducts all its end-term examinations online, using a proctored methodology via the LMS “My Class” interface. IGNOU Online, however, offers both Pen & Paper and CBT (computer-based test) modes for its June 2026 TEE, with students selecting their preferred mode and exam centre.
For IGNOU Online, assignments are a precondition for appearing in the term-end examination. Learners cannot take the exam for a course without submitting its assignment. For the MBA Online programme, assignments carry a 30% weightage, while the term-end examination accounts for 70%. For BCA Online theory courses, continuous evaluation is 25% and the term-end examination is 75%. Assignments for BCA Online and MBA Online are submitted as PDF files on the IGNOU LMS portal only; hard copies are not considered for evaluation.
LPU Online states that its assessment components include Continuous Assessment (CA) and End-Term Examination (ETE) for theory, with a 30% weight for continuous assessment and 70% for the end-term exam. The university also mentions an End-Term Practical/Project (ETP) component. LPU Online’s end-term exams are generally two hours long and can be taken on a smartphone, laptop, or desktop. IGNOU Online charges Rs. 200 per course for its examinations, which is not included in the programme fee.
Both universities generally hold their end-term exams twice a year, in June and December. For IGNOU Online, the last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE was extended to 31 October 2026. Students for LPU Online’s August 2026 session have their end-term exams starting on Monday, 21 December 2026, and select their own date sheet through the LMS. IGNOU Online states that an overall C grade (50% to 59.9%) is needed to qualify for an MBA Online course. Re-evaluation at IGNOU Online costs Rs. 750 per course and must be applied for within 40 days of the result declaration, though assignments and practical answer scripts cannot be re-evaluated. LPU Online publishes that results, provisional transcripts, and re-evaluation registration are all available via the LMS Exam Connect.
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment weightage | Assignments 30%, term-end examination 70% (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026) Continuous evaluation 25%, term-end examination 75% (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025) |
End-term exam 70%; continuous assessment 30% |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year, in June and December (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026) | End-term / re-appear exams generally in June and December |
| Exam mode | The June 2026 TEE notification covers ODL and Online programmes together, in Pen & Paper and CBT (computer-based test) modes | Exams for online programmes are conducted online; no offline exams |
IGNOU Online only
- Assignment submission mode: Assignments are submitted on the LMS portal only, as PDF files (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025); Assignments are uploaded on the IGNOU LMS portal only (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Hard copy assignments: Hard copies submitted at a study centre / Regional Centre / SED are not considered for evaluation (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Assignment prerequisite for exam: A learner cannot appear in the term-end examination of a course without submitting its assignment (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Current assignment deadline: Last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE extended to 31 October 2026
- Exam mode and centre choice: Students choose Pen & Paper mode or CBT mode, the courses and an exam centre in the examination form (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam location: At an examination centre: the learner prints the hall ticket and reports at the examination centre with the identity card (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Exam centre selection: The learner enters an Examination Centre Code in the online exam form; if that centre is not activated an alternative centre is allotted (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Allotted centre only: Learners may appear only at the examination centre allotted to them (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- No exam centre change: No request for change of examination centre is entertained after the form is filled (June 2026 TEE)
- Examination form submission: Submitted through the student portal on the Samarth platform (ignou.samarth.edu.in) (June 2026 TEE)
- Examination form dates: 10.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 without late fee; 11.04.2026 to 24.04.2026 with late fee of Rs.1,100 (June 2026 TEE)
- Examination fee: Rs. 200 per course (theory / practical / lab) (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Exam fee separate: Exam fee is not included in the fee structure
LPU Online only
- Assessment components: Continuous Assessment (CA), End-Term Examination (ETE) for theory, End-Term Practical/Project (ETP)
- Exam proctoring: End-term exams use proctored examination methodology via the LMS “My Class” interface, as per UGC regulations; Video and photographs recorded; AI tools detect unfair means; proctors appointed
- Exam duration and device: Generally 2 hours; smartphone or laptop/desktop allowed
- End-term exam start: Monday, 21 December 2026 (August 2026 session)
- Student date sheet selection: Students select the date sheet through the LMS (August 2026 session)
- Results and re-evaluation: Result, provisional transcript and re-evaluation registration via LMS Exam Connect
IGNOU exam cycle: IGNOU assignments; IGNOU date sheet; IGNOU hall ticket and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online credit transfer, migration and re-admission
Moving between IGNOU Online and LPU Online, or changing course, depends on the specific university’s policies. IGNOU Online states that learners can exit their MBA Online programme after the first and second semesters, upon completing 56 credits, and receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM).
IGNOU Online also offers credit transfer under the Academic Bank of Credits. For a migration certificate, a fee of Rs. 500 is charged, and the request is made to the Regional Director.
IGNOU Online only
- Exit option: Exit after the 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) at the learner’s request, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM)
- Migration certificate: Requested from the Regional Director with a fee of Rs. 500
- Credit transfer: Available
For enrolled IGNOU students: IGNOU re-registration.
IGNOU Online vs LPU Online student support and helpline
IGNOU Online and LPU Online both offer support for their students, but their specific channels and services differ. IGNOU Online provides a dedicated Centre for Online Education helpdesk at coe@ignou.ac.in and iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in. This helpdesk operates Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 6 pm.
LPU Online offers helplines for admissions at 01824-520001 and for enrolled students at 01824-520500, with an admissions email at admissions@lpuonline.com. For grievances, IGNOU Online uses an iGRAM portal, accessible at igram.ignou.ac.in/. LPU Online publishes details of its Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) and Ombudsperson on a disclosure page.
For career support, IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC), where learners can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. LPU Online states it provides placement assistance and virtual placement drives, alongside a Placement Enhancement Program that trains students in aptitude, soft skills, and interviewing. Placement drives are notified via LMS announcements.
| Point | IGNOU Online | LPU Online |
|---|---|---|
| Online support email | Centre for Online Education: coe@ignou.ac.in and iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in | 01824-520001 (admissions); 01824-520500 (enrolled students: LMS, classes, exams); admissions@lpuonline.com |
| Grievance system | iGRAM, igram.ignou.ac.in/ | Disclosure page lists Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) and Ombudsperson details |
| Placement support | IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC); learners send their resume to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in | Placement assistance and virtual placement drives; Placement Enhancement Program trains aptitude, soft skills, interviewing |
IGNOU Online only
LPU Online only
IGNOU portals: IGNOU Samarth portal; IGNOU grievance portal (iGRAM) and IGNOU ID card.
IGNOU Online or LPU Online: which is better for you
Students prioritising the lowest fee should consider IGNOU Online. For example, the total fee for a Bachelor of Computer Applications (Online) at IGNOU is Rs. 49,800, excluding registration, development, and examination fees. LPU Online’s BCA costs Rs. 1,50,000, which includes the examination fee but excludes a Rs. 1,000 registration fee. Similarly, an MBA (Online) at IGNOU has a total fee of Rs. 66,000, while LPU Online’s MBA costs Rs. 2,00,000.
LPU Online conducts all its end-term examinations online, using proctored methodology via the LMS “My Class” interface. IGNOU Online, however, conducts its term-end examinations in both Pen & Paper and CBT modes at designated examination centres. Students choose an examination centre and mode when filling out the form.
Students who need a degree recognised for international higher studies should note that LPU Online states its online-mode degrees are recognised by WES for higher studies in Canada and USA.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU BCA Newol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026
- IGNOU Mbaol Student Handbook
- IGNOU TEE June 2026 Notification
- IGNOU Mcaol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU Online Programmes About
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Foreign Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU LMS Home
- LPU Ugc Deb Application Ol 2025-26
- LPU Refund Policy 2026-27
- LPU Important Dates Aug 2026 Sem1
- LPU Brochure MBA
- LPU AICTE Noc 2022-27
- LPU Brochure Ba
- LPU Scholarship Policy
- LPU E Learning Material
- LPU Brochure MCA
Common IGNOU Questions
Which online university, IGNOU or LPU, is better for a student seeking a wide range of online programmes?
IGNOU Online offers 46 programmes for the July 2026 session, including 5 Bachelor’s degrees and 14 Master’s degrees. IGNOU provides a broader selection of online programmes for students to choose from.
What are the total fees for an online MBA from IGNOU versus LPU Online?
The total fee for an online MBA from IGNOU is Rs. 66,000, excluding registration and development fees. LPU Online’s MBA programme costs Rs. 2,00,000, which includes the examination fee but excludes the Rs. 1,000 registration fee. LPU Online is significantly more expensive for an MBA programme.
How do the fees for the online BCA programme compare between IGNOU and LPU Online?
The total fee for the online BCA programme at IGNOU is Rs. 49,800, excluding registration, development, and examination fees. LPU Online charges a total fee of Rs. 1,50,000 for its online BCA, which includes the examination fee but not the Rs. 1,000 registration fee. IGNOU offers a more affordable online BCA option.
Is an online degree from IGNOU or LPU Online recognised by the UGC?
IGNOU states its degrees are at par with those of all Indian universities and are recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities. LPU Online is recognised by UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and is entitled by UGC-DEB to offer online programmes. Both institutions hold UGC recognition for their online programmes.
What are the eligibility criteria for an online MBA at IGNOU and LPU Online?
For an online MBA, IGNOU requires a Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). LPU Online requires a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent, or CS (ICSI), CA (ICAI), or CMA. Both universities have similar basic graduation requirements for their MBA programmes.
What are the admission deadlines for the current session for IGNOU Online and LPU Online?
The last date for fresh admissions for most IGNOU Online programmes in the July 2026 session is 13 October 2026. LPU Online’s application deadline for the August 2026 session (Academic Year 2026-27) is 31 October 2026. Both universities have current admission cycles open in October 2026.
Do IGNOU Online and LPU Online provide printed study materials for their online programmes?
IGNOU Online does not provide printed study material; learners access self-instructional material in PDF or electronic form on the LMS and eGyankosh. LPU Online provides study material online through its LMS, including e-learning content, video lectures, and presentations. Neither university offers hard copy study materials for online students.
Where are the term-end examinations held for IGNOU Online and LPU Online students?
IGNOU Online students take their term-end examinations at an examination centre, choosing between Pen & Paper or CBT modes. LPU Online conducts its end-term exams entirely online, using proctored examination methodology via the LMS “My Class” interface. IGNOU requires physical attendance at exam centres, while LPU Online offers fully remote exams.
What are the mediums of instruction for online programmes at IGNOU and LPU Online?
LPU Online primarily uses English as the medium of instruction, with a few Hindi core/elective courses in the BA programme.
Can students pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through IGNOU Online or LPU Online?
IGNOU allows students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to specific combinations. LPU Online does not publish information on simultaneous registration for two programmes. IGNOU explicitly permits dual programme enrollment under certain conditions.
What kind of support is available for online students at IGNOU and LPU Online?
IGNOU Online offers an online-mode helpdesk, a centralised Student Registration Cell, and a grievance portal called iGRAM. LPU Online provides helplines for admissions and enrolled students, a Relationship Management System (RMS) on the LMS for queries, and a Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee. Both universities offer multiple channels for student support.