In Uttarakhand Open University during 2025-26, the number of girl students was much more than that of boys. Of the total 83,807 registered students, 48,287 were girls and 35,520 were boys. The number of girl students was also higher in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Haldwani: In Uttarakhand Open University, girl students have shown more interest in open and distance education than the boys. According to the annual report of the Center for Internal Quality Assurance, a total of 83,807 students were registered in the university in the year 2025-26. These included 48,287 girls and 35,520 boys.
More number of girl students in degree courses
Open and distance education has made higher education accessible to students who find it difficult to attend regular college due to geographic, social, or family circumstances. In a hilly state like Uttarakhand, this medium is proving especially useful for girl students. With study material and recorded lectures available at home, it is easy to continue studying.
The increasing participation of girl students has also been revealed in the annual report of Center for Internal Quality Assurance (SICA) of Uttarakhand Open University. A total of 83,807 students were registered in the university in the year 2025-26. Of these, the number of girl students was 48,287, while 35,520 boys were registered.
A total of 53,239 students were studying in undergraduate courses. These included 28,236 girl students. This makes it clear that the option of distance education for degree level studies is more popular among girl students.
Dominance of girl students even in post graduation
Even in postgraduate courses, the number of girl students was more than that of boys. According to the report, 19,756 girl students and 9,657 male students were studying in various post graduate courses.
A total of 1,155 students were registered in diploma and certificate courses. Although the number of students in these courses remained relatively high, the participation of female learners in degree and postgraduate courses was significantly higher.
The university's statistics of the last 20 years also point towards the same trend. During this period, about 8.80 lakh learners have received education from Uttarakhand Open University. These include approximately 4.67 lakh girl students and 4.12 lakh boys.
Girls also have special interest in studying Sanskrit
According to SICA report, the number of students in the Faculty of Arts at post-graduate level was highest. Last year 6,233 students took admission in MA Sanskrit. Of these, 4,154 female students chose Sanskrit subject.
After this, political science remained the main subject among girl students, in which 3,831 girls were studying. 2,369 girl students studied in English subject. The data shows that girl students are not limited to just general degree courses but are pursuing higher education in various subjects.
Geographical conditions became a major reason
Director of Pedagogy Branch, Prof. According to Digger Singh Farswan, the geographical conditions of Uttarakhand are odd. For many girl students in hilly areas, the distance to college becomes a hindrance to regular education. In such a situation, Open University becomes a convenient medium for them to continue higher education.
Due to distance education, girl students do not need to travel to college daily. This also reduces the obstacles caused by family and social circumstances. For this reason, the registration of female learners in Uttarakhand Open University continues to remain at a significant level.