VGU vs Parul vs Sharda - Most Affordable Online Private Universities in India

After Class 12, students are often confused about what degree to pursue and what the outcome of the program will be. Many students want to opt for technical programs and prepare for IITs. But most of the students have no idea about what to do after 12th. But there are different courses after 12th for arts, science, and commerce students. With the flexible learning environment, students can now go for online degrees in India and build a career in their field of interest.

While searching for affordable online universities, the three private university names that often come up for comparison are Vivekananda Global University Online (VGU), Parul University Online, and Sharda University Online. All three provide UGC-entitled online degrees to UG and PG students. All three cost far less than a regular on-campus program. But not all of their fees, courses, and value are equal.

In this article, we will compare VGU, Parul, and Sharda. We look at their fees, courses, and which one is best for whom. This is a guide for students, job switchers, and working professionals who want an affordable online degree without confusion.

Importance of Online Degrees in 2026

Online education is growing rapidly in India. The number of people pursuing a degree online is trending now, as it is more affordable than regular course fees, which also include hostel fees, travel, and food. A regular on-campus BBA or MBA can cost anywhere between ₹3 lakh and ₹10 lakh. An online BBA or MBA from a UGC-entitled university often costs one-third of that or less. This makes online universities with low tuition fees a smart choice for many students. You still get a valid UGC-approved degree, and you learn from home.

VGU vs. Parul vs. Sharda - Which is the most affordable private university?

Here is a common comparison table before we go into the details of each university. It shows accreditation, the number of online courses offered by each university and who each university is most suited for.

These three private universities are UGC entitled and NAAC-accredited. This means that their degrees are valid for jobs and higher studies. But the real difference comes in when you look at the course-wise fees.

Online VGU: Courses and Fees 2026

Online VGU is the online department of Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. Today it is one of the most affordable online degree providers in India. The VGU fee structure is simple; there are no hidden charges for hostels or travel.

VGU also charges a one-time registration fee of ₹1,000. There is no such examination fee included in the above-mentioned fees. The university offers EMI options for the entire program fee. If you want to pursue an online BA or MA, VGU is one of your top choices, costing ₹72,000 for the entire course.

Parul University Online: Courses and Fees 2026

Parul University, established in Vadodara, Gujarat, offers its online courses through its Center for Distance & Online Education (CDOE). It offers a wider range of courses than VGU, including diplomas, PG diplomas, and dual degree options. If you want diversity and affordable online education, then Parul is a good choice.

Parul University Online offers an online BA, MA, M.Com, M.Sc., and MSW along with diploma courses in digital marketing, business analytics, blockchain, and fintech. MBA has 20 more specializations than VGU and Sharda. Parul also provides a 30% scholarship on dual-degree diploma add-ons that further reduces the effective cost per certification.

Sharda University Online: Courses and Fees 2026

Sharda University Online is a part of Sharda University, Greater Noida, which is a well-known brand in North India and has a big presence for regular degrees too. It is another good, affordable online university, and its online fees are close to Parul's.

Sharda charges a nominal registration fee and an examination fee of approximately Rs 200 per subject, apart from the course fee. Additionally, it provides merit-based scholarships of up to 100% on tuition for the highest scorers.

VGU vs Parul vs Sharda: Which One Is the Most Affordable?

Let us compare all three private universities for affordability to answer the question: Which are the most affordable private online universities in India in 2026?

• BBA/BCA: Parul charges ₹111,000, for BCA and BBA degrees. However, for the same course, VGU charges ₹132,000 and Sharda charges ₹135,000.
• BA or MA: VGU course fee is ₹72,000 for the full course. It is the most affordable of the three universities here.
• MBA: Sharda and Parul are the most affordable options, starting around ₹150,000 and VGU charges more than ₹150,000, but at the same time Parul gives you a choice of 20 specializations.
• MCA: Sharda and Parul both offer their MCA course between ₹120,000 and ₹130,000. VGU offers an MCA course with slightly higher course fees, which is ₹150,000.

So there is no one university that is clearly the most affordable one; it depends on which course you are opting for. VGU is the best option for arts degrees, whereas Sharda is good for business and computer application programs. Parul is preferred for its variety and choice of specialization.

Why Working Professionals Should Consider These Online Universities

Most working professionals are unable to take a break from their job for full-time study. That’s where these three affordable online universities come in. VGU, Parul, and Sharda all provide classes through recorded lectures and flexible learning management systems (LMS), so you can learn after work hours or on weekends. 

None of these universities have strict attendance rules, and exams are mostly online or on-demand. This facility enables a working professional to complete a BBA, MBA, or MCA without quitting his job or losing his income. Since the fees are already low when compared to full-time campus programs, a working professional also avoids taking a large education loan, which maintains a strong ROI.

How to Choose the Right Affordable Online University

Choosing the right online university depends on your goal, not just on the fee. Here are some simple points to check before you decide:

1. Verify intended course: If you want an arts degree, VGU is the cheapest. If you are looking for business or tech courses, compare Sharda and Parul first.
2. Check specializations: Parul has most of the specializations in MBA; if you are looking for a niche field like Health Care Management or fintech, Parul might be a better fit for you.
3. Compare total cost: Before you finalize a budget, add registration fees, exam fees, and any semester charges.
4. Placement assistance: All three universities offer placement assistance, but the strength of the hiring partners can differ. See each university’s official placement page for current numbers.
5. Please confirm UGC-DEB approval for your specific course. Course lists and fees can change each admission cycle, so always check the current year's prospectus before paying.

If you want to find the most affordable private online universities in India in 2026, then the only three real options are VGU, Parul, and Sharda. The final choice should depend on the exact course you want, not just on the name of the university. Compare the fees for each course above, see the specializations you need, and always confirm current fees and its UGC entitlement for the year that you are applying.