The open university system needs to be introduced in order to expand opportunity of access to higher education. This was emphasized by:

The National Policy on Education of 1986 stressed the open university system to widen access to higher education.

The University Education Commission of 1948 to 1949 addressed university reform but not this specific open university thrust.

The Education Commission of 1964 to 1966 focused broadly on educational reconstruction and structure.

The National Policy on Education of 1968 laid down general principles following the Kothari report.

The 1986 policy also led to strengthening of the Indira Gandhi National Open University.

It aimed to reach learners who could not attend conventional institutions.