Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), commonly called MP Bhoj Open University, is a state public university established under the Madhya Pradesh University Act 1991, and formally created on 1 October 1992. It was inaugurated on 19 October 1992 by then-President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, and its emblem draws from a verse in Raja Bhoj’s “Saraswati Kanthabharan,” linking the university’s name to the historic Bhoj dynasty associated with Bhopal. Based on Kolar Road, Bhopal, MPBOU is dedicated to open and distance learning (ODL), aiming to make higher education accessible to learners who cannot pursue regular, in-person study due to geographical, financial, professional, social or personal constraints. It operates through Regional Centres and Study Centres across roughly 11 cities in Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar, Rewa, Satna, Hoshangabad, Barwani and Chhindwara, and uses ICT-based initiatives such as ‘Bhojvani’ and ‘Bhojdarshan’ to extend its reach further into underserved and rural areas. Under its motto “Embrace, Engage, Enlighten and Empower,” it offers UGC-approved undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate programs.
Office hours
Not officially published in my sources. As a state government university, standard weekday office hours likely apply; confirm directly with the university or its Registrar’s Office.
Fee range
Not clearly published in my sources with specific figures. Fees vary significantly by course and level (UG, PG, PG Diploma, Diploma); one third-party site notes PG courses require a relevant undergraduate degree as a prerequisite. Please check the official portal (mpbou.edu.in) for exact, current, course-wise fees.
Courses offered
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate: Various UG and PG programs, including Distance MBA, BBA, and M.A. in subjects such as Ancient Indian History
- Diploma & PG Diploma: Various diploma and PG diploma programs, including Diploma in Business Administration
- Teacher education: B.Ed. (General), B.Ed. (Special Education), D.El.Ed. (ODL), M.Ed. (Special Education)
- Format: All delivered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
Best time to visit
Not a campus-visit-driven institution, since it primarily serves distance learners. Admission and exam-form notifications are typically released ahead of each academic session (per the university’s own notice board); check the official portal for current-cycle dates.
Best for
Working professionals, homemakers, rural residents, and anyone unable to attend regular, in-person classes but seeking affordable, flexible, UGC-approved undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma or certificate education through distance learning.