Overview

University of North Bengal - Directorate of Distance Education (DDE), Siliguri, West Bengal, India, is a State University established in 1962. The Directorate of Distance Education functions as the distance learning wing of the university, offering various certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs through distance mode. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and received a NAAC Grade B++ (2017). Its official website is https://www.nbu.ac.in.

Quick Facts

• Founder: Not explicitly available on official sources
• Current Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Prem Poddar (Source)
• Student Count: Approx. 25,000 across regular and distance programs (Source: University website)
• Departments: 30+ including Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, Education
• Contact Info: Directorate of Distance Education, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohunpur, P.O. North Bengal University, Siliguri - 734013, West Bengal; Phone: +91-354-2534756, Email: nbudde@nbu.ac.in (Source)
• NAAC Grade:B++ (Cycle 2, 2017)
• NIRF Ranking: Not ranked as of 2024 Checked NIRF official portal

Courses & Programs

The Directorate of Distance Education offers a diverse range of courses across multiple faculties:

• Faculties: Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Education
• Popular Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: B.A, B.Com, B.Sc (3 years, distance mode)
  • Master’s: M.A, M.Com, M.Sc (2 years, distance mode)
  • Diploma & Certificate courses in subjects like Tourism, Nutrition, Journalism
  • Ph.D. (through regular/university departments, not via distance mode)
• Mode: Fully distance education mode with study materials & occasional contact classes
• Intake: Intake varies per course, no fixed limit publicly available

Admissions

• Mode: Merit-based via previous academic qualifications for UG/PG courses
• Accepted Exams: No entrance exams required; admissions based on qualifying marks
• Timeline: Admission notifications usually released between June-July for odd semesters and Nov-Dec for even semesters
• Application Process:
  1. Download prospectus/admission form from the DDE Admission page
  2. Fill form and submit with required documents and fees either online or by post
  3. Wait for confirmation and study material dispatch
• Official Admission Portal

Eligibility

• Undergraduate Programs: Passed 10+2 from recognized board with minimum 40% marks (varies for SC/ST/OBC)
• Postgraduate Programs: Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline with at least 45% marks (relaxation for reserved categories)
• Documents Required: Mark sheets, passing certificates, identity proof, passport size photographs, domicile certificate (if applicable)
• Age: No strict age limit for distance education courses

Fee & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees:
  • UG Programs: Approx. INR 8,000 to 15,000 per annum (tuition + examination fees)
  • PG Programs: Approx. INR 10,000 to 20,000 per annum
  • Hostel facilities generally not applicable for distance learners
• Scholarships: State government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS available; merit scholarships awarded through university portals
• Official scholarship information can be found on West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation and related state schemes

Placements

Not applicable for Directorate of Distance Education programs as these are primarily self-study and part-time learners. Regular campus-based courses under University of North Bengal have placement cell details available on university website.

Campus & Facilities

• Distance learners primarily study off-campus with provision of study materials and occasional contact classes at Siliguri campus
• University campus includes:
  • Library with digital access
  • Computer labs
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Hostels and mess for regular students
  • Sports grounds
• Student clubs and cultural festivals organized on campus (Source)

Faculty & Research

• Faculty comprises experienced professors and research scholars in various disciplines
• Research centres in social sciences, environmental studies and regional development
• MoUs with institutions including Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
• Specific grants/patents related to DDE not separately available

Rankings

• NAAC: Grade B++ (Cycle 2, 2017) (Source)
• NIRF: Not ranked as of 2024 Checked NIRF website
• India Today/Outlook: Not available specifically for University of North Bengal Distance Education wing

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results: Published on official University website at https://www.nbu.ac.in/result.php
• Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix: Not applicable for distance learning courses as admissions are merit-based without quotas

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (~16 km from Siliguri)
• Nearest Railway Station: Siliguri Junction (NJP) and Siliguri Town Railway Station
• Local Transit: Frequent buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis connect Siliguri city to University campus

FAQs

1. Q: How do I apply for distance courses at University of North Bengal?
   A: Visit the DDE admission page, download the prospectus and application form, fill and submit online or via post with required documents and fees.
2. Q: Are entrance exams required for admission?
   A: No entrance exams are required; admission is merit-based from qualifying exam marks.
3. Q: What is the duration of UG and PG distance courses?
   A: UG courses are typically 3 years, PG courses 2 years.
4. Q: Does the university provide study material and contact classes?
   A: Yes, study materials are provided and occasional contact classes are held.
5. Q: Are distance education degrees recognized?
6. A: Yes, the university is UGC recognized and the distance education degrees are valid nationwide.
7. Q: Are scholarships available for distance learners?
   A: Yes, SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates may apply for state government scholarships; merit scholarships also offered.
8. Q: Can distance education students access university facilities?
   A: Facilities like library and digital resources are available remotely; hostel facilities are primarily for regular students.
9. Q: How are exam notifications communicated?
   A: Exam schedules and results are updated on the university’s official website regularly.
10. Q: Is online learning available?
    A: Mostly study material is offline; some support through online portals and email is provided.