The Centre for Distance and Open Learning (CDOL) was established in September 2002 with the support of the Distance Education Council (DEC), based at the IGNOU campus in Delhi. The DEC was later dissolved, and in 2013, the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) was created to formulate policies for governing higher education institutions (HEIs) offering distance education. Additionally, in 2009, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) of the Government of India also approved the Centre. Owing to Covid and resultant disruption in the way formal education was being imparted; Regulation 2020 of DEB made it mandatory for Distance Educational institutions in a dual mode university to rename their HEIs as Centre for Online Education, therefore the Centre was renamed as Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE).
The Centre aims to provide access to higher education for individuals who cannot benefit from traditional educational systems, ensuring that learning is available at the doorstep of every learner. To support this mission, the Centre offers comprehensive self-learning material (SLM) created by subject experts, designed to accommodate learners from diverse educational backgrounds. These materials are complemented by counseling sessions conducted by teachers who provide invaluable assistance to distance learners. In response to evolving technological advancements, the Centre has also adapted its approach by conducting classes through online platforms as well.
To enhance accessibility, the Centre has established Learner Support Centers (LSCs) across various states in India. These LSC’s are located at far flung and at times in remote locations of the country. These LSCs also play a crucial role in reaching out to learners from rural areas.
Over the years, CDOE has experienced significant growth in student enrollment and course offerings. In 2002, the Centre offered just five programs, including B.Ed, Diploma in Power Generation Engineering (DPGE), DECCE, and MA in English and Hindi. Today, it provides 26 undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs; with annual enrollments of approximately 20,000 to 23,000 students—comparable to regular student numbers in JMI.
Currently, the Centre employs 30 Assistant Professors and nearly 40 administrative staff to support operations. The growing student population places immense pressure on service delivery, making it crucial for CDOE to continue its evolutionary role and by engaging a wider cross section of student community.. In alignment with the NEP-2020 roadmap for enhancing higher education and improving the Gross Enrollment Ratio, it is essential for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to carry forward the mission of Government of India by providing more accessible, quality education to students and the Centre continues to fulfill such requirements as well.