A few years ago, one of my friends, Rahul, decided to pursue an online MBA degree because he couldn’t quit his job. Still, as his degree is near completion, an unwanted fear started bothering him that “Are online degrees valid for private sector jobs in India?” would companies take him seriously?
If you have the same doubt, then you are not alone. While Online degrees are gaining popularity, their acceptance by private companies depends on many factors like accreditation, industry demand, and your skills. This blog will discuss how private companies see an online degree and how you can improve your chances of getting hired.
Are Online Degrees Valid For Private Sector Jobs In India?
Yes, your online degrees is valid for private sector jobs in India, but the acceptance depends on different factors like your university’s accreditation, industry demand, and on the perspective of employer. For past many years we have seen the sudden rise in online education, so now, private companies are open to hire candidates with online degrees, all they consider is the degree should be from UGC recognised university.
Another thing to remember is that not all private companies consider your online degree and its accreditation. If you want to work in skill driven industries, like IT, digital marketing, and finance then your skills will be valued more than your degree, because to handle roles in these fields your practical knowledge matters more than your degree. If you have practical knowledge and relevant skills with an online degree, then your path to the industry will be easier.
This is the reason why choosing a well-recognised online program with strong accreditation is so important. A degree that is recognised by UGC and AICTE like accreditation bodies and gaining relevant skills with practical exposure can help you to compete in the job market effectively.
How Do Private Companies View Online Degrees?
Private companies in India have mixed opinions on online degrees. Some welcome them, while others still prefer traditional degrees. How your online degree is viewed depends on the industry, the university’s reputation, and your skills.
1. Skill-Based Industries Prefer Skills Over Degrees
In fields like IT, digital marketing, content writing, data science and finance, where skills are needed more than a degree, private companies focus more on the skills and experience you have, in this case, an online or offline degree doesn’t matter. If you can prove your abilities in front of the employers, then your mode of learning will not be a hurdle in grabbing a position in a private company.
2. Reputed Online Universities Are Gaining Acceptance
If your online degree is from UGC-approved university like IGNOU, Amity Online, Jain University, and IIT Madras (online courses), then employers can take interest in hiring you because as per the current trend many of these universities are now designing their courses to meet the industry needs and give them an industry exposure.
3. Large Corporations Have Mixed Opinions
Many large private companies often confirm that your university is recognised by UGC, AICTE or other relevant bodies or not? If you pursued a degree from a well-known university that is recognised by various accreditation bodies, and you have skills that are required by the company, then companies don’t care about which type of degree you have.
4. Hands-On Professions Require Practical Training
If you want to enter fields like law, medicine, and core engineering, then it requires practical hands-on experience, which most of the online courses are not able to provide, if you are planning to make career in these fields then, pursuing traditional degree, with in person training can be a better choice.
5. Internships & Certifications Can Make a Difference
If you have an online degree but have done internships, certification programs, or have done some freelance projects, then it can boost your resume, which increases your chances of getting hired. In every sector employers value your real-world experience and skills, so showcasing your practical skills in your resume can help you to stand out in the job market.
Factors That Affect The Acceptance Of Online Degrees
Many companies don’t have any issue with hiring online degree holders, while some still prefer regular degrees. Below are the few factors that decide whether an online degree will help you get a private-sector job or not:
- Accreditation & Recognition
The first thing any employer checks in an online degree is its accreditation, they confirm whether you have earned your online degree from a UGC and AICTE approved university or not. Always check for accreditation before choosing any online course.
- Industry Relevance
In some cases, your skills matter the most over your degree. In many fields, employers look for the skills that fulfil their requirements. If you have done some internships and have some certifications that showcase your skillset, then you have more chances to secure a job.
- Employer Policies
Every company have their hiring policies, many startup companies accept online degree holders as long as your skills match their requirements. But some big corporate firms still prefer regular degrees for hiring on the senior level positions.
- Networking & Work Experience
Work experience matters a lot in private-sector jobs. If you have done internships, freelance projects, or worked on real-world tasks, many private companies focus more on your experience than on how you got your degree. Networking with people in your industry can also help you find good opportunities.
The Role Of Skills In Getting Hired With An Online Degree
Having a degree is good, but with a degree, if you have a matching skillset, then it is the perfect combination, below are a few points to help you understand the role of skills in getting hired:
- Skills Are More Important Than the Degree Format
Industries like IT, Digital Marketing, business and finance, companies care about your skills, they care about what you can do for them, not about the format of your degree. If you can prove your skills in front of the employers, then your degree holds the same value as a regular degree.
- Certifications Can Strengthen Your Profile
If you have earned an online degree, then adding relevant certifications can make a big difference, for example, if an online MBA supported by certifications in business analytics, digital marketing, or project management can make you the preferred candidate of any employer.
- Internships & Freelance Work Show Practical Experience
Employers in any sector prefer candidates with real-world experience. If you have done an online degree, then investing your time in internships, freelancing experience, or working on real projects can prove that you are the perfect candidate for the role. This is especially useful in those fields where practical skills matter the most.
- Soft Skills Play a Big Role Too
Having technical knowledge is not enough, companies also look for communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. If you can collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges, you will have a better chance of getting hired, regardless of whether your degree was online.
How To Choose A Recognized Online Degree?
To make sure your online degree is valid for private sector jobs in India, here’s what you need to check:
- Check for UGC and AICTE Approval
Visit the university’s official website and check its recognitions, if the university is UGC and AICTE approved, then it confirms that the university provides the quality education and meets every educational standard.
- Choose a Well-Known University
Degrees from well-known institutions are taken more seriously by private companies. Universities like IGNOU, Amity Online, Sikkim Manipal University, NMIMS and Symbiosis have strong industry focus, making the degrees more valuable for the employer.
- Pick a Course with Good Career Prospects
Some online degrees are more in demand than others. Courses in IT, data science, business management, and finance are well-accepted because they focus on skills that companies need.
- Look for Placement Support and Alumni Success
Any good online university will offer career support, internships, and many networking opportunities, before choosing any program, check out its placement records and if the university offers internship programs or not.
- Ensure the Course Includes Practical Learning
An online degree should offer more than just recorded lectures. Look for programs that include live projects, case studies, and industry-relevant assignments. Practical learning can make you job-ready and can improve your chances of getting hired in any private sector.
How To Improve Your Chances?
Here’s what you can do to boost your chances:
- Get Certified in High-Demand Skills
Gaining certifications that displays your skills can give you an advantage over other candidates applied for the same post, for example if you are applying in IT sector then gaining some popular certifications like cybersecurity (CEH, CISSP), networking (CCNA), cloud computing (AWS, Azure), and data science (Python, AI, ML) can help you learn necessary skills for the job role.
- Gain Practical Experience
Enrolling yourself in internships programs and doing some freelance work can give you real-world experience that can help you to build a strong profile so that any employer can easily hire you.
- Improve Your Problem-Solving and communication Skills
Almost in every job role, it requires solving problems, handling teams, and communicating with clients, in this case, it can be a good investment if you work on improving communication and problem-solving skills.
- Apply Smartly & Network with Professionals
Regularly check the company’s official websites for job openings. Connecting with professionals working in industry can also provide valuable insights and referrals.
Conclusion
So, are online degrees valid for private sector jobs in India? yes, if you choose the right course and gain the relevant skills, any private company will hire you without thinking too much because private companies look for the skills you have over the type of degree.
Hope you now understand the blog and get all your queries answered, if you still have any doubt, then feel free to contact us as Mapmycourse, we are always here to help you.
FAQs
Q.1 How can I verify the recognition and accreditation of an online degree?
Ans:You can verify the recognition and accreditation of an online degree by checking the institution's website or contacting the UGC or AICTE.
Q.2 How can I ensure the quality of an online degree program?
Ans:You can ensure the quality of an online degree program by checking the institution's reputation, accreditation, and faculty expertise.
Q.3 Which online degrees are in demand by private employers in India?
Ans:Online degrees in fields like business administration, computer applications, and information technology are in high demand.
Q.4 Are online degree holders equally employable as traditional degree holders?
Ans:Yes, online degree holders are equally employable as traditional degree holders, if the online degree is from a recognized institution.
Q.5 Can online degrees help address the skill gap in India's workforce?
Ans:Yes, online degrees can help address the skill gap in India's workforce by providing access to high-quality education and training.