Higher Education system of a country enhances the human resources potential and gives the country the right niche in global scenario. Due to wide scattered and over whelming population and an increasing demand, it is not possible for country like India to provide higher education to all who really need through formal mode. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is one of the best alternatives to satisfy the growing demand for education of a variety of learners. The present writing deals with the role of ODL in the promotion of higher education in India.