The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Dibrugarh University previously known as Directorate of Open and Distance Learning(DODL), Dibrugarh University was established in 2001 with a vision to reach the unreached. During the last three decades, it was observed that most of the Department and the Centres of studies of the University received a large number of applications for admission into different programmes offered. Due to limited number of seats in post-graduate and under-graduate classes, a large number of students fail to enroll themselves as students of the University. Considering the necessity of enabling the youths who are either employed or self-employed and who are unable to prosecute higher education due to economic or other reasons, the University has set the vision of taking Higher Education to the doorsteps of the learners.

The major objectives of the Centre are :

• To provide access to quality higher education to the people of the region who are deprived of higher education due to various reasons
• To provide higher education to those who wish to upgrade or acquire knowledge through studies in various field.
• To develop knowledge and skills in different areas which are hitherto covered by formal education system existing in the North-East Region.
• To promote research in different fields.
• To provide guidance and counseling to its students.

Keeping the vision in mind the Centre started its mission with post graduate programmes in Assamese, Commerce, Economics, Mathematics, Political Science, Education and Sociology. MA in English Programme has been introduced from the academic session 2008-09. Moreover, Bachelor in Computer Application(BCA) and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) have been launched from the academic session 2010-11. In 2011-2012 the Centre introduced Bachelor of Arts(B. A) programme in annual system through distance mode.