The Open University of Nashik with the name Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) was set up in the July of 1989. The twelfth Open University of the country is specific to the state of Maharashtra. The headquarters of the university are located at Nashik however its study centers for contact programs are available all over Maharashtra state

Imparting Industry Relevant Information at Reasonable Cost. The YCMOU was established with the primary aim of making the university education to common man at a reasonable cost. The courses offered are designed to impart industry relevant professional information, train him to for a better job profile and even for establishing his own production unit as a self employed. The course content is reviewed periodically to include the latest innovations and information. The university has been able to motivate many house wives and less qualified from tribal regions to join these courses.

Study Methodology

The YCMOU has its head offices at Nashik and eight Regional Centers located at Mumbai, Kolhapur, Pune, Nanded, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati and at Nashik too. Apart from this it has numerous Study Centers located in the nook and corner of the State. The students learn through online study materials and that supplied by post. The course material is just not books but the latest technology has been utilized for developing comprehensive audio-video packages for easy assimilation.

Study Centers

The Study Centers are the link to assess the progress of the students. It is mandatory for each student to go for a certain number of Counseling Sessions in the Study Centers. These sessions are conducted by qualified instructors to clear various doubts of the students and also impart practical training. The students are sometimes called to the Regional Centers for advanced studies or practical training on high end equipment. Any industry relevant course is not complete without hands down experience and all courses have at least a three month industry project. The University has tied up for such practical training and experience with the industry.

Courses Available

The Open University has many programs which include the generic Bachelor Degrees but the most popular programs are the Computer Software & Hardware Programs and the Diploma in Fashion & Interior Design. The advent of BPO and ITES in India had prompted many fly by night institutes springing up even in villages. Their fees are exorbitant but lack any structured course content. To obviate the fleecing of the common man and provide quality education, this is a bold step of the University. The fashion designing and interior design courses are also highly subscribed and well received by the industry. The university is considering many other industrially relevant courses to be added to the curriculum.

Examinations and Award of Diploma

The Open University has an examination system to maintain a quality standard to the diploma awardees. The examination includes both the written theory paper and practical paper for a holistic assessment of the student. The Counseling Sessions at the Study Centers also carry marks for the award of diploma ensuring a healthy participation from the students.

An Open University diploma or degree is generally not given an equivalent importance as that of a regular full time university education. But the Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University is commanding a higher pedestal than the run of mill universities and unorganized private training institutions with its commitment to quality education at affordable prices.