University comparison

BAOU vs YCMOU: Fees, Approvals & Which Is Better

An objective, parameter-by-parameter comparison of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University for online learners.

Last updated 2026-08-10
BAOU
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
YCMOU
Nashik, Maharashtra
BAOU rating
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YCMOU rating
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Shared programmes
1
Both UGC-entitled
Yes

BAOU or YCMOU? The short answer

Cheaper: BAOU — ₹5,300 against ₹39,036 — ₹33,736 less across the full programme. Better recognised: BAOU (UGC Official BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-I, UGC-DEB Official page states ODL programmes approved by DEB and online entitlement, NAAC A++ (3.55) stated on official BAOU page). Pick BAOU if cost decides it; pick BAOU if the approval stack and career support…

Cheaper
BAOU
₹5,300 against ₹39,036 — ₹33,736 less across the full programme.
Better recognised
BAOU
UGC Official BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-I, UGC-DEB Official page states ODL programmes approved by DEB and online entitlement, NAAC A++ (3.55) stated on official BAOU page

Reviewed 1 October 2026. Figures are taken from the universities' own published material.

Which one suits you, by learner type

BAOU vs YCMOU — recommendation by learner type
You arePickWhy
On a tight budgetBAOULowest published cost of ownership: ₹5,300 against ₹39,036 — ₹33,736 less across the full programme.
Working professionalYCMOU4 specialisations against 0 — more room to match the programme to the job you already do.
Fresher, first degreeBAOUStrongest approval stack on this page: UGC Official BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-I, UGC-DEB Official page states ODL programmes approved by DEB and online entitlement, NAAC A++ (3.55) stated on official BAOU page. That is what a first employer checks.
Government-job aspirantEitherBoth hold UGC entitlement for online/distance delivery, so both degrees are accepted for government recruitment. Carry the entitlement letter for your admission year.
Wants placement supportAsk bothNeither publishes cohort placement data for online learners. Career assistance is not a placement guarantee — ask for the last session's numbers in writing.

What you actually pay — Bachelor

Tuition is only part of it. This is the full published outgo, including registration and examination fees.

Cost of ownership: BAOU vs YCMOU
Cost headBAOUYCMOU
Programme / tuition fee₹5,300₹39,036
Registration feeNot published by the universityNot published by the university
Examination feeNot published by the universityNot published by the university
No-cost EMI fromNo EMI plan publishedNo EMI plan published
Total outgo on published figures₹5,300₹39,036

What is still missing

  • BAOU does not publish its registration fee, examination fee for this programme.
  • YCMOU does not publish its registration fee, examination fee for this programme.

We publish the gap rather than an estimate. Ask the admission desk for it in writing before you pay.

Side-by-side comparison

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University vs Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
ParameterBAOUYCMOU
Established19941989
LocationAhmedabad, GujaratNashik, Maharashtra
ApprovalsUGC Official BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-I · UGC-DEB Official page states ODL programmes approved by DEB and online entitlement · NAAC A++ (3.55) stated on official BAOU pageUGC Recognised under Section 12(B) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 · UGC-DEB YCMOU has published a UGC-DEB programme recognition application for the 2026–27 August session; programme-level recognition should be verified for the specific programme and session · NAAC Accredited 'A' Grade by NAAC in its first cycle in 2022 · Accreditation Recognised under Section 12(B) UGC Act, 1956; NAAC 'A' Grade (2022); Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada Award of Excellence for Institutional Achievement (2002) and Award of Institutional Excellence (2019); MBA programme also lists AICTE among recognitions
Fee band₹5,300 – ₹2,40,000₹39,036 – ₹75,300
Programmes tracked345
Learner ratingundefined/5 (undefined reviews)undefined/5 (undefined reviews)
Type
Key strengthOfficial BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-IRecognised under Section 12(B) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956

Fee comparison

Fee bands by programme
ProgrammeBAOUYCMOU
Master of Business Administration (MBA)₹5,300 – ₹2,40,000₹39,036 – ₹75,300

Common programmes

Strengths and trade-offs

BAOU

Strengths

    Things to weigh

      YCMOU

      Strengths

        Things to weigh

          Which should you choose

          Choose BAOU if you want official baou ugc page: section 2(f), 12(b), category-i.

          Choose YCMOU if you want recognised under section 12(b) of the university grants commission act, 1956.

          DE

          Degreekhojo Editorial Desk

          Education research team

          Every fact on this page is checked against university and UGC-DEB sources before publication, and re-checked each admission cycle.

          References

          Frequently asked questions

          BAOU stands out for official baou ugc page: section 2(f), 12(b), category-i, while YCMOU leads on recognised under section 12(b) of the university grants commission act, 1956. Both are UGC-entitled, so the decision comes down to fee, specialisation depth and delivery style.

          BAOU sits in the ₹5,300 – ₹2,40,000 band and YCMOU in the ₹39,036 – ₹75,300 band for a full programme.

          Yes. BAOU holds UGC Official BAOU UGC page: Section 2(f), 12(B), Category-I · UGC-DEB Official page states ODL programmes approved by DEB and online entitlement · NAAC A++ (3.55) stated on official BAOU page and YCMOU holds UGC Recognised under Section 12(B) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 · UGC-DEB YCMOU has published a UGC-DEB programme recognition application for the 2026–27 August session; programme-level recognition should be verified for the specific programme and session · NAAC Accredited 'A' Grade by NAAC in its first cycle in 2022 · Accreditation Recognised under Section 12(B) UGC Act, 1956; NAAC 'A' Grade (2022); Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada Award of Excellence for Institutional Achievement (2002) and Award of Institutional Excellence (2019); MBA programme also lists AICTE among recognitions, so both awards are treated on par with regular degrees.

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