Symbiosis Society was carrying out distance learning activity through Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) which was one of the autonomous institutes of Symbiosis. However, Symbiosis society felt that having regard to the large number of educational institutes under its aegis and having regard to the varied methodologies of imparting distance learning / open education using e-learning, self learning material, printed material, on-line content followed by SCDL, it would be advisable to set up a separate society for the efficient management of SCDL, its expansion and establishment of other distance / open education programs and centres. In view of this, the management of Symbiosis Society decided for severance of SCDL from Symbiosis Society and the establishment of a separate society only for “Open and Distance Education” and for exclusively setting up other centres of SCDL. This is how Symbiosis Open Education Society (SOES) was established. The objective of SOES is to promote, advance and disseminate knowledge through the open and distance learning system, in order to provide education, skill development and life long learning opportunities to all segments of the population from India and other countries, thereby enabling, development and growth of individuals, society and community at large.

Symbiosis Open Education Society (SOES) has been registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act on 9^th May 2008 and is also registered as a public trust under Bombay Public Trust Act on 10^th Oct,2008. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning is now a constituent of Symbiosis Open Education Society.