Choosing between IGNOU and LPU Online keeps thousands of students awake at night. One promises rock-bottom prices and decades of trust. The other offers slick technology and placement support. But which one actually delivers value for your specific situation? Which one is is actually the best university for distance learning .
This guide cuts through the marketing noise. You will get a side-by-side comparison, honest strengths and drawbacks, and clear direction on who should pick which university. No fluff. Just facts that help you decide.
Quick Overview: IGNOU vs LPU Online at a Glance
| Feature | IGNOU | LPU Online |
| Full Name | Indira Gandhi National Open University | Lovely Professional University Online |
| Established | 1985 | 2005 |
| Recognition | UGC / DEB / AICTE | UGC / DEB / AICTE |
| NAAC Grade | A++ (3.56/4) | A++ (3.68/4) |
| Exam Mode | Mostly offline | 100% online |
| MBA Total Fees | ₹66,000 | ₹1,46,240 |
| B.Com Total Fees | ₹8,700-13,500 | ₹1,11,360 |
| EMI Options | Not available | Yes (24 months) |
| Live Classes | No | Yes (weekends) |
| Placement Support | Minimal | Moderate |
| Study Material | Printed books (primary) | Digital + recorded lectures |
| Maximum Duration | Double standard time | Double standard time |
| Best For | Government jobs, budget learners | Corporate jobs, tech-savvy learners |
What is the validity of a degree from LPU’s or IGNOU distance education ?
Let us address the biggest fear first. Will employers laugh at your degree?
IGNOU operates under an Act of Parliament. It carries UGC approval, DEB recognition, and AICTE clearance for technical programs. The NAAC A++ grade validates its quality. Government employers trust IGNOU degrees without question. Your certificate works for UPSC, SSC, banking exams, and state government jobs. Moving abroad? IGNOU passes WES evaluation for Canada and USA immigration.
LPU Online matches these credentials. It holds UGC-DEB entitlement, AICTE approval for MBA/MCA, and boasts a higher NAAC A++ score (3.68) than IGNOU. The degrees qualify for government jobs and WES recognition applies here too.
The Difference: IGNOU brings 40 years of legacy trust. LPU Online offers modern credibility with better NAAC scoring. Both degrees count. Both work. But IGNOU opens doors faster in conservative government sectors.
IGNOU vs LPU Online Fees Comparison
Your wallet feels the difference immediately.
IGNOU remains India’s most affordable quality education option. A B.Com degree costs merely ₹8,700-13,500 total. The MBA runs just ₹66,000 for the entire program. Examination fees stay low at ₹150 per course. However, IGNOU offers zero EMI options. You pay semester fees upfront. Their refund policy stands brutal—no refunds once paid unless admission gets denied.
LPU Online charges premium prices but adds flexibility. The MBA costs ₹1,46,240 total—more than double IGNOU’s rate. A BBA runs ₹1,11,360. But here is the relief: no-cost EMI spreads payments over 24 months. They also provide 20% automatic student grants and scholarships for women and alumni. Their refund policy allows partial refunds with small processing charges if you withdraw early.
Bottom Line: Choose IGNOU if budget tops your priority list. Pick LPU Online if you need payment flexibility and can afford higher costs.
How is the distance learning experience in LPU or IGNOU ? Which one is better ?
Your daily learning experience differs massively between these two.
IGNOU follows traditional distance learning methods. You receive printed Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) through postal mail. The university broadcasts occasional programs through radio and television. IGNOU does not offer regular live classes. You study independently using print materials and limited audio-video resources. Their LMS (eGyankosh) exists but feels basic and dated. However, IGNOU offers incredible variety—325+ programs including unique options like Yoga, Rural Development, and Journalism.
LPU Online embraces modern online education fully. You get 400+ hours of recorded lectures accessible 24/7. Additionally, weekend live classes let you interact with faculty in real-time. Their LMS features advanced tracking, virtual labs, and mobile app access. The syllabus updates regularly with industry input. MBA students choose from 12+ specializations including Data Science and Digital Marketing.
Reality Check: IGNOU suits self-disciplined learners who prefer reading. LPU Online fits professionals wanting structured, tech-enabled learning with distance learning .
How is the flexibility between Exams of LPU Online or IGNOU
Exam policies reveal crucial differences for working professionals.
IGNOU conducts offline exams at designated centers twice yearly—June and December. You must travel to assigned exam centers. Assignments carry 30% weightage in final grades, while theory exams contribute 70%. You need 40% marks to pass. Unfortunately, IGNOU offers zero flexibility in exam scheduling. Miss the June session? Wait six months for December.
LPU Online revolutionizes exam convenience with 100% online proctored exams. Their unique “Draw Your Own Date-sheet” feature lets you choose exam dates based on your schedule. Take exams from home using AI-monitored systems. Assignments and passing criteria vary by program, but the flexibility remains unmatched.
Critical Warning: IGNOU’s rigid schedule challenges working professionals with unpredictable schedules. LPU Online wins hands-down for exam flexibility.
Does IGNOU provide career support ? Does LPU provide career support ?
Let us address the elephant in the room. Will you get a job?
IGNOU maintains a Campus Placement Cell, but support remains minimal and decentralized. Job fairs happen occasionally at select regional centers like Delhi and Hyderabad. The university reports ₹3.5-7 LPA packages for MBA graduates, but these numbers reflect limited drives. IGNOU focuses primarily on academic excellence rather than corporate placement.
LPU Online actively markets placement support. They conducted 117 placement drives and 81 internship drives in 2024-25. Students received 60 final job offers and 469 internships. Top recruiters include Policy Bazaar, Jaro Education, and Cognizen Innovations. The average package stands at ₹3 LPA with ₹7.25 LPA as highest.
Honest Assessment: Both universities offer modest placement support compared to regular campus programs. LPU Online provides better structured assistance, while IGNOU relies on its reputation for government sector opportunities.
How does the company see the IGNOU degree ? How does the company see LPU Degree ?
Resume perception varies by industry.
IGNOU dominates government and academic circles. HR professionals in public sector organizations recognize and respect IGNOU degrees immediately. The alumni network spans millions across rural and urban India. However, some private MNCs still view distance education skeptically regardless of the university.
LPU Online projects modern corporate appeal. The NAAC A++ grade and NIRF #31 ranking impress private sector employers. The brand sounds contemporary and tech-savvy. However, LPU Online lacks the four-decade legacy that IGNOU commands.
The Verdict: IGNOU wins for government job applications. LPU Online potentially appeals more to private sector startups and tech companies.
What are the student reviews for the degrees of IGNOU or LPU Online ?
IGNOU offers maximum duration flexibility. You get double the standard time to complete degrees—6 years for B.Com/BA and 4 years for MBA. They also provide credit transfer options accepting up to 50% credits from other universities. However, support remains frustratingly slow. Query resolution takes weeks. Study material delivery delays frequently. Yet, 67 regional centers and 2000+ study centers provide physical support across India.
LPU Online matches flexibility with double duration allowances and credit transfer options. Their Relationship Management System responds faster than IGNOU’s bureaucratic machinery. However, they lack IGNOU’s extensive physical network. Regional center support remains limited compared to IGNOU’s massive infrastructure.
Who Should Choose IGNOU?
Pick IGNOU if you match these profiles:
- Budget-focused learners who want quality education at minimum cost
- Government exam aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, or banking jobs
- Self-disciplined students comfortable with independent study
- Rural learners needing physical study centers nearby
- Traditional learners who prefer printed books over screens
Example: Ramesh works as a clerk and wants to prepare for UPSC while earning his B.A. He chooses IGNOU because it costs ₹13,200 total and gives him time to study for civil services.
Who Should Choose LPU Online?
Select LPU Online if you identify with these situations:
- Tech-savvy professionals wanting structured distance learning online
- Corporate workers seeking placement support and industry connections
- Students needing EMI options to manage payments
- Learners wanting live classes and faculty interaction
- Career switchers needing updated, industry-relevant curriculum
Example: Priya works in an IT company and wants to switch to management. She picks LPU Online MBA because weekend live classes fit her schedule and placement support helps her transition.
Real Scenarios: Making the Choice Concrete
| Situation | Better Choice | Why |
| “I want minimum fees + government job prep” | IGNOU | Costs 1/10th of private options; trusted by government employers |
| “I want online classes + placement support” | LPU Online | Structured distance learning with career assistance |
| “I live in a remote area with poor internet” | IGNOU | Printed materials work without connectivity |
| “I need to finish my degree while traveling” | LPU Online | 100% online exams from anywhere |
| “I run a family business and need a degree for credibility” | IGNOU | Lowest cost, maximum recognition |
| “I want to switch from engineering to product management” | LPU Online | Industry-relevant MBA specializations |
Final Verdict: Which one is better between IGNOU and LPU Online
Both IGNOU and LPU Online offer valid, recognized degrees. Your choice depends entirely on your priorities.
Choose IGNOU for:
- Affordability that beats every competitor
- Unmatched legacy in government and academic circles
- Physical study center network across India
- Flexibility to study at your own pace without technology pressure
Choose LPU Online for:
- Modern learning experience with live classes
- Better technology platform and mobile access
- Structured placement support
- EMI payment flexibility
The Middle Ground: Many smart students actually use both—IGNOU for affordable undergraduate degrees, then LPU Online distance learning or similar for specialized postgraduate qualifications.
Remember, the best university is not the one with the fanciest website or the lowest fees. It is the one that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and life circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IGNOU degree better than LPU Online ?
Neither is objectively better. IGNOU wins on affordability and government sector trust. LPU Online wins on technology and placement support. Match the university to your goals.
Are IGNOU and LPU Online recognized by UGC?
Yes, both hold UGC-DEB approval and NAAC A++ grades. Both degrees are valid for jobs and further education.
Which one is cheaper?
IGNOU is significantly cheaper. A B.Com costs ₹8,700-13,500 at IGNOU versus ₹1,11,360 at LPU Online.
Can I do MBA online from IGNOU or LPU Online?
Yes, both offer MBA programs. IGNOU MBA costs ₹66,000 total. LPU Online MBA costs ₹1,46,240 but includes more features.
Is LPU Online placement support real?
Yes, but manage expectations. They conducted 117 drives with 60 final offers in 2024-25. This helps, but does not guarantee jobs like regular campus placements.
How difficult are the exams at both?
Both require 40% passing marks. IGNOU exams feel more theoretical and traditional. LPU Online exams are online and flexible but equally rigorous in content.
Can I switch from IGNOU to LPU Online or vice versa?
Credit transfer is possible in some cases, but usually limited to 50% of total credits. Check specific program rules before switching.