Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU)

Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, Kerala, was established on 2 October 1983 by the Government of Kerala.  

The University is located on the 110-acre Priyadarsini Hills campus at Athirampuzha, about 12-13 km from Kottayam town.  

It has jurisdiction over the revenue districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and parts of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha.  

MGU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and has been re-accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an “A++” grade.  

The University offers programmes at undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), MPhil and doctoral levels through:

1. 30 University Departments
2. 1 International & Inter-University Centre
3. 7 Inter-University Centres
4. 9 Inter-School Centres
5. 79 Government/Aided Affiliated Colleges (including 10 autonomous)
6. 194 Unaided Affiliated Colleges
7. 225 Recognised Research Centres  

In recent years, MGU has expanded into online and distance education modes, providing flexible learning options for a wider range of students. For example, the university’s Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) offers UGC-entitled online UG & PG programmes.  

Online / Distance & Fully Online Courses

What’s offered

MGU’s online education portal (through its Centre for Distance & Online Education) lists a variety of fully online degree programmes.   Examples include:

1. Online M.Com (Master of Commerce) — a 2-year postgraduate online programme spread over 4 semesters.  
2. Online MBA (Master of Business Administration) — available through the online mode.  
3. Online B.Com (Hons.) — a 4-year undergraduate programme in online mode.  
4. Online B.A. Political Science (Hons.) — undergraduate programme fully online.  
5. MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) portal for short online modules/learning resources.  

Key Features

1. These online programmes are UGC-entitled and recognised. MGU claims its online degrees are “equivalent to the conventional degree offered by the University”.  
2. Flexible learning: The learning management system (LMS) enables access to video lectures, readings, interactive discussion forums, assignments etc.  
3. Designed for working professionals or students needing flexibility.  
4. Online programmes list clear eligibility and fee structures (for example, the Online M.Com lists eligibility of Bachelor’s degree & minimum marks, and semester fee of about ₹20,000/semester) for Indian students.  

Eligibility Example

For Online M.Com: Must have passed B.Com / BBA / BBM or equivalent degree approved by MGU, with minimum 45% marks (relaxations for SC/ST etc).  

Admission Details

Admission Modes

1. For regular UG/PG programmes in affiliated colleges, admission is often via the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP).  
2. For PG programmes offered by the university departments/schools: admission via a Common Admission Test (CAT-MGU).  
3. For online programmes: applications are done online via the MGU admission/online education portal.
4. For Online Admission and counciling Assistance applicants can contact INFOTEC @ 9526676106 (through WhatsApp messages only).

Important Dates

1. For example, admissions for online UG & PG programmes at MGU’s online stream for the July 2025 session were announced as open.  
2. For PG departmental programmes: A notification indicated applications open for the 2025 academic year, with final semester undergraduate students eligible to apply.  

Eligibility Criteria (General)

1. For UG programmes: Usually completion of +2 (or equivalent) from a recognised board. (Specifics depend on the programme/college)
2. For PG programmes: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, meeting minimum % marks etc. For online PG examples: B.Com/BBA etc with min 45% marks for Online M.Com.  
3. Some programmes may have entrance exams (e.g., CAT-MGU) or interview/merit basis.  

Application Process (Online)

For Admission Assistance applicants can contact INFOTEC @ 9526676106 (through WhatsApp messages only).

  

Fee Structure (Indicative)

1. Fee for other online programmes will vary depending on duration, level (UG vs PG) and mode.
2. Be sure to check latest fee and scholarship/relaxation details from official site.

Why Choose MGU’s Online / Flexible Programmes?

1. Recognised institution with strong credentials (NAAC A++, UGC recognition) → Adds credibility.
2. Offers online programmes that are flexible and can be taken by working professionals or those unable to attend campus regularly.
3. Fully online degree programmes (not just modules) available, allowing access from anywhere.
4. Clear course structure, fee transparency for some programmes.
5. Ability to obtain equivalent degree (for UGC-entitled online programmes) which can be used for further studies / job applications.
6. Range of options including management, commerce, arts/humanities and more via online mode.

Things to Keep in Mind / Checklist

1. Even though online degrees are recognised, verify the specific programme you are applying for (UG/PG/Online) and its recognition status. For example, MGU explicitly states its online degrees are UGC-entitled.  
2. Check the eligibility criteria carefully (minimum % marks, qualifying degrees, etc).
3. Understand fee structure fully (semester wise fees, additional exam fees, project fees, etc).
4. Ensure you have access to required online infrastructure (internet, LMS access, assignments, exams) since online mode requires self-motivation.
5. For online programmes, check whether there are any required offline components (some mixed/ODL modes may have short on-campus sessions) — though fully online programmes at MGU seem to emphasise online mode.
6. Clarify if the online degree certificate is exactly equivalent to the campus version (MGU states yes for certain programmes) and how it will appear.
7. Stay aware of admission deadlines and application processes: for online programmes the portal may have a separate schedule from traditional programmes.