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UOU Study Material: Subject-Wise Notes and Books

Updated 3 October 2026 Study Material 7 min read

Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) provides Self-Learning Material (SLM) in print and e-content formats for its distance learners. This material is structured into courses, blocks, and units, with a systematic development process including expert committees and plagiarism checks. Students opting for e-content receive a 15% fee concession.

Key facts

Fee Concession for e-Content 15% in programme fee
Standard Block Length 60 to 80 A-4 size printed pages
Standard Unit Length 5000 to 6000 words or 20 to 25 printed A4 size pages
Blocks per Course 4 to 6 blocks (in rare instances, a few more)
Units per Block 3 to 5 units
Study Hours per Credit Point (Standard Block) 30 study hours for a 3-4 unit block, equivalent to 1 credit point
Official UOU page on support.uou.ac.in: open a support ticket for book issues
The official UOU page on support.uou.ac.in — open a support ticket for book issues. Screenshot taken 2 October 2026; click to open it.

Understanding UOU Self-Learning Material (SLM)

Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) provides Self-Learning Material (SLM) as a primary medium for imparting knowledge to its distance learners. This material is designed to be self-instructional, guiding learners step-by-step through the instructional process and incorporating self-assessment exercises.

The SLM is developed with the understanding that UOU learners may have varied educational backgrounds, including those who have been out of formal education for some time. Therefore, the material is designed to be comprehensive, self-sufficient, and presented in a conversational, graded manner to build confidence and motivation.

UOU’s approach to distance education aims to empower different sections of society, including those in remote places with limited access to resources. The SLM compensates for the absence of a traditional classroom and personal teacher supervision, ensuring students can achieve a fair level of knowledge and skill in their chosen field.

The University also takes help from Open Educational Resources (OERs) as part of its OER policy for SLM development.

Structure of UOU Study Material

UOU’s study material is organised into a hierarchical structure to facilitate independent learning:

Credits are assigned to a Course, and the actual credits for a Block may vary based on the nature and scope of the Course. A standard Block of 3-4 Units requires approximately 30 study hours, which is equivalent to 1 credit point.

  • A Programme is the curriculum for a degree, diploma, or certificate, consisting of multiple courses.
  • A Course is equivalent to a ‘Paper’ in traditional systems. It includes printed blocks, audio-video material, assignments, practice sessions, counselling sessions, and project work (for some courses).
  • A Block is a booklet of 60 to 80 A-4 size printed pages, covering one unified theme. Typically, 4 to 6 blocks make up a course.
  • A Unit is a lesson or chapter, approximately 5000 to 6000 words or 20 to 25 printed A4 size pages. A block usually consists of 3 to 5 units.

Systematic Development of Self-Learning Material (SLM)

The development of Self-Instructional Learning Material (SILM) at UOU follows a systematic, multi-phase process managed by course coordinators and the Material Production and Distribution Division (MPDD). This process ensures quality and accuracy:

Extensive use of technology, including ICT systems, is made throughout the development process, with teachers comfortable preparing print-ready material on their own computer systems.

  1. Finalisation of Policy Guidelines: In 2011-2012, UOU conducted workshops with experts from IGNOU to formulate policy guidelines for SILM writing. These guidelines are followed by Unit Writers, who also attend sensitisation workshops.
  2. Constitution of Expert Committees: For each programme, an expert committee is formed to deliberate on course contents, identify unit-writers, determine credits, and discuss other programme modalities. Programme Project Reports (PPRs) are also prepared and discussed.
  3. Deliberation in Board of Studies (BOS) Meeting: The expert committee’s recommendations are submitted to the BOS, which makes the final decision on launching a programme. The BOS also finalises the list of unit-writers and allocates units based on their specialisation.
  4. Plagiarism Check: Once material is received, a plagiarism checker is applied according to the University’s policy. Writers are asked to rectify and resubmit units if plagiarism is detected.
  5. Formatting and Editing: Plagiarism-free material is formatted by course coordinators as per manual guidelines. This is followed by content-editing, format-editing, and language-editing, sometimes involving external editors. The course contents are then broken into suitable booklets.
  6. Allocation of ISBN: After the material achieves its final print-ready shape, a request is made to the MPDD to allocate ISBNs to all booklets ready for publication.
  7. Uploading on UOU Webportal: All material ready for print is uploaded to the University’s webportal before being sent for physical publication, providing learners with early access to e-content.
  8. Printing of SILM: UOU uses empanelled printing firms, selected through e-tendering, to ensure timely delivery and distribution of material.
  9. Payment to Unit Writers/Editors: Payments are initiated after the e-content is uploaded and certified by programme coordinators, with all payments made via online transfers.
  10. Quality Improvement Programme (QIP): The University collects feedback from stakeholders on published material. This feedback informs a continuous process of revision, addition, improvement, correction, updating, and removal of obsolete content or printing errors.
  11. Translation (if required): In some cases, competent persons are engaged to translate material from one language to another.

Accessing Your Study Material

UOU makes its study material available to learners in both electronic and print formats.

All material that is ready for print is uploaded to the University’s webportal. This allows learners to access the e-content even before the hard copies of the Self-Learning Material (SLM) reach the University.

For hard copies, the University uses empanelled printing firms to ensure that the material is printed and distributed efficiently to students.

Fee Concession for E-Content Users

To promote the use of digital resources and reduce paper consumption, UOU offers a concession to learners who prefer to use only the e-content and do not wish to receive hard copies of the Self-Learning Material (SLM).

Students who opt for e-content only are eligible for a 15% concession in their programme fee. This initiative is considered a ‘Green Practice’ by the University.

Examples of UOU Study Material Content

UOU’s Self-Learning Material covers a wide range of subjects. For instance, in English Literature, a unit might cover ‘English Poetry up to the Eighteenth Century’, detailing topics like Anglo Saxon Literature, its characteristics, and major works such as ‘Beowulf’, ‘The Vercelli Book’, and ‘The Exeter Book’.

In Management Studies, a course like ‘Principles of Management and Organizational Behaviour’ (MS 101) includes units on ‘Introduction to Management’ and ‘Development of Management Thoughts’. These units define management, discuss its functions, and explore concepts like management control systems and challenges for managers in the 21st century. Each unit typically includes sections for self-assessment questions and their possible answers.

Raising a Ticket for Book Distribution Issues

If you encounter issues related to book distribution, you can open a new support ticket through the UOU Support Ticket System. This allows you to formally report your concern and track its resolution.

  1. Go to the UOU Support Ticket System.
  2. Select ‘Open a New Ticket’.
  3. Fill in your contact information: Email Address, Full Name, Enrollment No., Phone Number, and City/Town/Village.
  4. From the ‘Help Topic’ dropdown, select ‘Book Distribution’.
  5. Enter the CAPTCHA text shown on the image.
  6. Click the ‘Create Ticket’ button.
UOU: Raising a Ticket for Book Distribution Issues — step-by-step
Raising a Ticket for Book Distribution Issues: the steps at a glance.
What you can do Official page
Access general student services uou.ac.in/student-corner
Open a support ticket for book issues support.uou.ac.in/open.php
Find general university contact details uou.ac.in/contact

Official documents (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

What is Self-Learning Material (SLM) at UOU?

SLM is the primary medium for imparting knowledge in UOU’s distance learning system. It is designed to be self-instructional, guiding learners step-by-step and including self-assessment exercises to compensate for the lack of face-to-face interaction.

How is UOU study material structured?

UOU study material is structured into Programmes, Courses, Blocks, and Units. A Course typically consists of 4 to 6 Blocks, and each Block contains 3 to 5 Units.

What is the length of a standard UOU unit or block?

A standard unit is about 5000 to 6000 words or 20 to 25 printed A4 size pages. A block is a booklet of 60 to 80 A-4 size printed pages.

Do I get a fee concession if I choose only e-content?

Yes, learners who prefer to accept only the e-content and do not want hard copies of the SLM receive a 15% concession in their programme fee.

How can I access the e-content of UOU study material?

All material ready for print is uploaded to the University’s webportal, providing learners with access to the e-content even before the hard copies are published.

What should I do if I have an issue with book distribution?

You can open a new support ticket through the UOU Support Ticket System. Select ‘Book Distribution’ as your Help Topic and fill in the required contact information to report your issue.

What is a credit point equivalent to in terms of study hours?

The study input required to complete a standard Block of 3-4 Units is 30 study hours, which is equivalent to 1 credit point. However, credits are assigned to a Course.

Sources

Written from the official UOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.