Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) Distance Education offers recognised and quality distance learning programs. The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) at RBU was established in 2002 and is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). It is committed to delivering quality education through a blend of online and offline modes.
Admissions for distance education programs are typically open twice a year, with key sessions starting in January and July. Candidates can apply online through the RBU CDOE official admission portal.
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arts, Commerce, Education, Fine Arts, and Social Work, among others.
RBU’s distance education curriculum is designed to maintain academic standards equivalent to regular courses. The university provides self-learning study materials, interactive counselling sessions, and regular assessments to support learners. Examination schedules and academic calendars are available on the official university website.
The official website for Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education is https://www.rbucdoe.ac.in, where students can find detailed course information, admission guidelines, and important notifications for the 2025-26 academic session.
RBU Distance Education Key Highlights
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 1962 |
| Mode of Education | Distance & Online learning |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AIU |
| Programs Offered | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate courses in Arts, Commerce, Education, Fine Arts, Social Work |
| Admission Process | Online application through RBU official CDOE portal |
| Academic Support | Self-learning study materials, counseling sessions, online tutorials |
| Examination Pattern | Semester exams conducted at designated regional centers |
| Duration | Flexible duration as per program |
| Recognition | Degrees recognized for employment and further studies |
| Student Support | Learner support centers in West Bengal and other states |
| Official Website | https://www.rbucdoe.ac.in |
RBU Distance Education Courses
| Course Name | Level | Duration | Specializations / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | Postgraduate | 2 Years (4 Semesters) | Specializations: Bengali, Sanskrit, History, Education, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Social Work, Vocal Music, Rabindra Sangeet, and more |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | Postgraduate | 2 Years (4 Semesters) | Social Work |
| Master of Commerce (MCom) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Commerce specialization |
| Master of Science (MSc) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Specializations include Environmental Studies, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, etc. |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | Arts and Humanities |
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | Commerce |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | Social Work |
| Diploma Courses | Diploma | 1 Year | Computer Applications, Business Management, Journalism, Hotel Management, Tourism Management |
| Certificate Courses | Certificate | Varies | Short-term courses in various disciplines |
Eligibility for RBU Distance Education
1. For Undergraduate (UG) courses,
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board with a minimum of 45-50% marks.
2. For Postgraduate (PG) courses such as MA, MCom, MSW, and MBA,
- Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least 45-50% aggregate marks.
- Specific courses like MA Education require a BEd or relevant educational qualification with a minimum of 55% marks.
3. There is no age limit for admission to distance education programs at RBU.
4. Diploma and certificate courses require passing 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board.
5. Admissions are merit-based, and there is no entrance exam for distance education programs.
6. Candidates need to pay an application fee of around INR 300. Applicants must submit relevant academic documents and undergo document verification through the university’s Learner Support Centres.
RBU Distance Education Fee Structure
| Course Name | Fees Per Semester (INR) | Examination Fee Per Semester (INR) | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA in Bengali | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in English | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in History | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Political Science | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Sanskrit | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Education | 5,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Environmental Studies | 7,000 | 3,750 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Geography | 12,000 | 5,000 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Vocal Music | 10,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| MA in Rabindra Sangeet | 10,000 | 2,500 | 2 years (4 sem) |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | 10,000 | 5,000 | 2 years (4 sem) |
RBU Distance Education Process 2026
- Visit the official RBU Centre for Distance and Online Education website (https://www.rbucdoe.ac.in).
- Review the latest prospectus and course details for the 2026 session
- Check the eligibility criteria for the desired program to ensure you meet the qualifications.
- Register by creating an applicant ID using a valid email and phone number on the admission portal.
- Log in with the applicant ID and password, then fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload the required documents: mark sheets, identity proof (Aadhaar or Passport), passport-sized photograph, caste certificate if applicable, transfer and migration certificates.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee online (INR 200-500 depending on the course).
- Carefully review and submit the application form.
- Verify your documents at the designated Learner Support Centre (LSC) as per instructions.
- Await admission confirmation based on merit and eligibility.
- Upon admission, access study materials and instructions for online/offline learning.
Important dates RBU Distance Education 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission Notification Release | December 1, 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | December 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply for January Session | January 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Documents | Within 3 days of application confirmation |
| Semester Admission Last Date | December 25, 2025 (tentative for ongoing semesters) |
| PCP (Personal Contact Program) Classes Start Date | February 1, 2026 |
| Semester Examinations | As per the schedule (usually after PCP classes) |
| Result Declaration | Following semester exams |
Placement Assistant by RBU Distance Education
- Rabindra Bharati University has an active placement cell that supports distance education students in securing job opportunities.
- The placement cell organises regular training sessions, workshops, mock interviews, and career counselling to enhance employability.
- It collaborates with companies in sectors such as IT, banking, education, and creative industries to facilitate campus and off-campus recruitments.
- Placement drives result in over 75% placement success in single drives, with average salary packages around ₹2 lakh per annum.
- Students get opportunities to work with reputed companies like IBM, Crisil, Netscribes, and QJ Consulting.
- The university encourages skill development through webinars, quizzes, and interactive sessions year-round.
- Alumni networks and ongoing career support are available for guidance even after course completion.
- Facilities like the library, healthcare, and NCC also contribute to overall student development.
RBU Distance Education Contact Details
Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) is located at Rabindra Bhavan, EE 9 & 10 Sector II, Salt Lake City (Near Karunamayee), Kolkata – 700 091, with an additional Emerald Bower Campus at 56A, B.T. Road, Kolkata – 700 050.
Key Phone Numbers
- Directorate: +91 9667665513
Emails and Fax
- Grievance/Admission: grievance.cdoe@rbu.ac.in
- Registrar: registrar@rbu.ac.in
Official Websites
- Main: https://www.rbucdoe.ac.in.
- Admission Portal: https://umscdoe.rbu.net.in.
FAQs
Q. What is the last date for Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education admission?
Usually, around January or July sessions, specific dates are on the official website.
Q. Are exams conducted online for Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education?
Exams are generally offline at designated centres.
Q. Is there any age limit for admission in Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education?
No, there is no age limit.
Q. How can I get study materials for Rabindra Bharati University Distance Education?
Study materials are provided online and through Learner Support Centres.
