The advancement in Education system has been witnessed by 21st century. They have now shifted from the traditional teaching- learning process that used to take place within four walls of class. The revolution of internet has developed the new way of learning “Online learning”.
With developing technology and necessity there is upgradation in the Education system for society’s betterment, mainly after Covid-19, Online Course grabs attention and its demand leads many top universities in India to offer Online courses to contribute towards Digital India, which makes it easy for working professionals and remote students to seek online degree with the help of technology and an Internet connection in affordable cost from any place in the world.
History of Online Education
Emergence of Online Education In the World
The first ever completely online course was introduced in 1984 by the University of Toronto. In 1986, the EUN (Electronic University Network) was established for being used in DOS and commodore 64 computers.
The Open University in Britain was one of the first universities in the world to begin online distance learning. Later, it became widely popular throughout the world.
Emergence of Online Education in India
The concept of online education in India was initiated in 2004 -2005 by the attempts made by some government organization like ISROU, MHRD and IGNOU to start two way video communication due to the lack of technological support back in the days. In 2008 some private industry also entered the domain of online learning. Before the emergence of Covid -19 Online learning has been growing rapidly. Students were being more aware about the online education, many students were opting for online certification course.
Online education after the emergence of Covid-19 Pandemic
The last couple of years from the whole world face the crisis and impact of pandemic irrespective of their religion, nationality, gender, education level, race and their income. Covid -19 brought out a big change in Education system due to the isolation students could not attend physical classes that time online education became the savior of students. Both teacher and students could teach and learn at their own pace they did not have to shuttle between home & institute.
Regulation of Online Education in India
1. University Grants Commission (UGC)
In India, Online course is legally monitored, regulated and recognized by government body named “University Grants Commission (UGC)” under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MOE), Government of India, which is set up in accordance to the UGC Act 1956. In 2004-05, IGNOU started online course in India and across the world, later in 2018, Online courses are legally offered by UGC recognized University. In 2021, UGC established University Grants Commission-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) body for visualization of Online Learning (OL) program along with Open and Distance Learning (ODL) program.
2. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
All the standards are maintained and accredited by UGC autonomous institute “The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)” which is established in 1994 which access and accredit these “Higher Education Institute (HEIs)” in India.
3. National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)
On 29 July 2020, Union Cabinet of India introduce the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), with new educational vision in India mention about Online Education in Chapter 24. In this chapter, explained in details about online education value, about digital platform role in development, benefits and challenges in online education while acknowledging complete education resources.
Universities offering Online Education in India
- Andhra Pradesh
| University | Course |
| Andhra University | BA B.Com M.Com MA M.Sc. MBA MCA |
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management | |
| Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation University | B.Com BBA BCA MA MBA M.Sc |
- Delhi
| University | Course |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | |
| Jamia Hamdard | B.Com BBA BCA MA |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | MA |
- Gujarat
| University | Course |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University | BA B.Com M.Com MA |
| Gujarat University | BA B.Com BCA M.Com MA MCA |
- Haryana
| University | Course |
| Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology | B.Com MBA |
| Kurukshetra University | BA B.Com M.Com MA |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar | B.Com BBA BCA MBA MCA M.Sc |
| ManavRachna International Institute of Research & Studies | BA B.Com BBA BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
| The Northcap University | B.Com BBA |
- Himachal Pradesh
| University | Course |
| Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences | BA B.Com BBA MA MBA |
- Jammu and Kashmir
| University | Course |
| University of Jammu | MA M.Com |
- Karnataka
| University | Course |
| Yenepoya | B.Com |
| Jain University | B.Com BBA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
| JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research | BBA B.Sc MBA |
| Kuvempu University | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA M.Sc
|
| Mysore University | B.Com BBA BCA M.Com MBA MCA
|
- Kerala
| University | Course |
Mahatma Gandhi University,Kerala school of distance education | B.Com BBA BCA M.Com MA MBA M.Sc |
- Madhya Pradesh
| University | Course |
| Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | MA MBA |
- Maharashtra
| University | Course |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) | BBA BCA MBA MCA |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences | B.Com BBA BCA MBA MCA |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | BBA MBA |
| Mumbai University | MA |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | B.Com BBA |
| Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patl Vidyapeeth | BBA MBA |
| Symbosis International | BBA B.Sc |
- Mizoram
| University | Course |
| Mizoram University | BBA B.Com M.Com MBA |
- Odisha
| University | Course |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
- Punjab
| University | Course |
| Lovely Professional University | BA B.Com BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA M.Sc |
| Chandigarh University | BA BBA BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA M.Sc |
| Chitkara University | MBA |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | BA B.Com BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
- Rajasthan
| University | Course |
| Manipal University | BA B.Com BBA M.Sc M.Com MA MBA |
| Mody University of Science and Technology | BA B.Com BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
- Tamil Nadu
| University | Course |
| Alagappa University | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA MBA |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University | BCA BBA B.Com M.Com M.Sc MA |
| Anna University | MBA |
| B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | MCA MBA |
Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research
| BA B.Com BBA M.Com |
| Bharathiar University | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
| Bharathidasan University | BA BBA MA MBA |
| Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute | BA B.Com BBA M.Sc MA MBA M.Com |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Higher Education | B.Com BBA BCA MA MBA MCA M.Sc |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | B.Com BBA MBA |
| Madurai Kamraj University | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA M.Sc |
| Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy | B.Com BBA BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA M.Sc |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | BBA BCA M.Com MBA MCA |
- Telangana
| University | Course |
| ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education | MBA |
- Uttarakhand
| University | Course |
| Graphic Era University | B.Com BBA BCA MBA MCA |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | BBA BCA MBA |
| Uttaranchal University | BA BBA BCA MBA MCA |
- Uttar Pradesh
| University | Course |
| Aligarh Muslim University | BA B.Com M.Com MA |
| Amity University | BA B.Com BBA BCA M.Com MA MBA MCA |
| Dayalbagh Educational Institute | BA B.Com BBA M.Com MA |
| G.L.A. University | B.Com BBA BCA MBA MCA |
| Shiv Nadar University | MBA |
- West Bengal
University | Course |
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute | MA |
Learning / Academic Objective of Online Education in India
Online education in India provides variety of opportunities along with challenges which can be termed as the “learning /academy Objective.” This arises from various factors that affect the effectiveness, availability and quality of online education in the country. Let’s look at in details:
- Increasing Accessibility:
Providing educational opportunity to students who lives in rural or remote areas where quality traditional education infrastructure is difficult to access. It also allows access to specially-abled students who have difficulty in attending regular programs.
- Improving Quality of Education:
Online Education in India mainly focus on providing quality education curriculum which is globally accepted in various region. It reduces challenge for working professional of accessing quality courses.
- Enhancing Flexibility and Convenience:
Online education in India allows working professionals and students having responsibilities to learn at their own pace by live session or recorded lectures. Students can review and revise course material whenever they want which enhance their course knowledge.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
Online mode of education in India is very cost effective as compared to other types of education in every aspect such as tuition fee, accommodation, travelling, etc.
- Skill Development:
Online education also offers specialized course such as certifications course in vocational and technical fields, which allow students to learn new skills and develop themselves in modern industry. It develops soft skills, critical thinking, etc.
- Encouraging Digital Literacy:
Online education promotes digital tools and digital labs through online platform to develop students in technological field with effective learning experiences.
Online Education VS Regular Education
Online Education | Regular Education |
Easy Admission in top Universities | Limited Seats Availability |
Live lectures as well as Recorded | Only classroom lectures |
Flexible Learning | No Flexibility |
Global Acceptance | Global Acceptance |
Can pursue along with Job | Cannot pursue along with Job |
Online Exposure with Industry Expert | Limited Scope |
Award of Degree After Completion of Online Education
Award of degrees for online courses in India is well regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and various other regulatory bodies. There are different type of degrees offered by institutions offering online courses. The UGC ensures that the content, assessment, and standards of online degrees are the same as those of the traditional degrees. Online learning used both synchronous and asynchronous tools combined with collaborative elements such as forums and group work to supplement the overall course design.
As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), India’s central regulating authority for higher education, there are certain rules regarding the online degrees. In 2018, the UGC brought new regulations that permit recognized universities and institutions to offer their degree programs online. These regulations indicate that only universities and institutions with a minimum NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) score of 3. Institutions with a cumulative GPA of 2. 26 on a 4-point scale are qualified to deliver online degrees. Further, these institutions must have been in existence for at least five years and have at least one accredited program.
Having a strong technological support is critical when it comes to offering quality online education. Universities use Learning Management Systems (LMS), Recorded lectures, video conferencing programs, and online libraries to offer competitive learning experiences.
- Types of Degrees Offered
Online degree programs in India are available in numerous fields and at different levels of study. These are Undergraduate degrees such as B. A, B. Com, and B. Sc. , postgraduate degrees like Master of Arts, Master of Commerce, and Master of Science. , professional courses such as MBA and MCA etc.
- Institutions Involved
Some of the well-known universities and institutions in India provide online degree programs. Many universities such as IGNOU, Amity University, and SCDL have been offering distance education for decades and have now smoothly integrated themselves in offering online degrees. Even the top rated institutions like IITs and IIMs are also offering online courses and certifications while degree programs are limited in these institutions.
The award of degrees for online courses in Indian Schools supports the advancement of the educational system in the country. Strict norms, varieties of programs, accredited institutions and a commitment towards quality have made online degrees an essential part of higher education system in India which is presumably designed to meet the emerging needs of learners in the era of globalization.
Courses can be offered in Online Education
Programmes in the following disciplines are offered under Online mode:
- MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
- MASTER OF SCIENCE
- MASTER OF JOURNALISM
- ACHARYA
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
- BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
- BACHELOR OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- BACHELOR OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
- BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
- BACHELOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
- BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
- BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
- BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
- BACHELOR OF JOURNALISM
- BACHELOR OF LIBRARY SCIENCE
- BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
- BACHELOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
- BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
- BACHELOR OF TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
- MASTER OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
- MASTER OF EDUCATION
- MASTER OF FINE ARTS
- MASTER OF LIBRARY INFORMATION SCIENCE
- MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE
- MASTER OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
- MASTER OF MASS COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM
- MASTER OF PERFORMING ARTS
- MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
- MASTER OF TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
- MASTERS OF ARTS
- MASTERS OF COMMERCE
- POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA
- POST GRADUATION DIPLOMA
- SHASTRI (HONS.)
Courses not permitted in Online Education
Programmes in the following disciplines are prohibited to be offered under Online mode:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy and other Para-Medical disciplines
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Dental
- Architecture
- Law
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Hotel Management
- Catering Technology
- Culinary Sciences
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Visual Arts and Sports
- Aviation
- Any other program not permitted to be offered through Open and Distance Learning mode and/or online mode by any concerned statutory or regulatory body or council. Accordingly. Yoga Tourism & Hospitality Management programs at UG and PG levels are not permitted in online mode.
Apart from the above, M.Phil and Ph.D. programs in all disciplines through Online mode are also prohibited.
Exam conducted for admission in Online Education
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
- NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
- ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)
- NIMCET (NIT MCA Common Entrance Test)
- JECA (Joint Entrance for admission in MCA)
- MAH MCA CET (Maharashtra MCA Common Entrance Test)
- BIT MCA Entrance Exam
- TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test)
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination)
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- NMIMS NPAT
- SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- Amity University Online Entrance Exam
- Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU-OET)
- IGNOU BCA Entrance Exam
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)
- DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test)
- SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)
- AIMA UGAT (Under Graduate Aptitude Test)
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)
- NMIMS NPAT
- AMU Entrance Exam
- University-Specific Entrance Exams
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)
- NMIMS NPAT
- AMU Entrance Exam
- University-Specific Entrance Exams
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)
- NMIMS NPAT
- University-Specific Entrance Exams
- IGNOU Entrance Exam
- DU SOL Entrance Exam
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- State-level Entrance Exams
- University-specific Entrance Exams
- IGNOU OPENMAT
- DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test)
- TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test)
- Other University-specific Entrance Exams
- National Level Exams
Eligibility Criteria of Online Education in India
For Bachelor Program
1. Educational Qualification
- 10+2 Completion: Candidates must complete their 10+2 higher secondary education from a recognized university in India.
- Specific stream such as Science, Commerce and Arts requirement vary according to the course.
- Generally, 45% to 50% marks require to take admission in Online Education in India, while minimum marks criteria may vary with different University.
2. Age Limit:
- There is no age limitation to pursuing online bachelor degree in India.
- Some University may require some additional information or working experience with year gap in study.
3. Specific Course Requirements:
- B. Sc (Bachelor of Science): Generally, requires candidates having Science as subjects in 10+2 higher education.
- BA (Bachelor of Arts): Generally, open for all stream students except from some specific courses.
- Com (Bachelor of Commerce): Generally, requires a student having Commerce or Mathematics stream in the 10+2 higher education.
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications): Requires student which have stream in Mathematics in their 10+2 higher education, while some universities allow students from any stream but have to pursue 1-year course in Mathematics along with BCA.
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): Generally, available for students from any stream.
4. Entrance Exams:
- Some Universities may conduct entrance exams or interview for admission in online bachelor’s programs, while some allows direct admission to their courses.
For Master Program
1. Educational Qualification:
- You must have a bachelor degree in relevant stream from recognized university in India.
- Generally, 45% to 50% marks require to enrol in Online Education in India, while minimum marks criteria may vary with different University.
2. Age Limit:
- There is no age limitation to pursuing online bachelor degree in India.
- Some University may require some additional information or working experience with year gap in study, typically for taking admission in Executive Online programs.
3. Specific Course Requirements:
- M. Sc (Bachelor of Science): Generally, requires candidates having Bachelor degree in science or related field.
- MA (Bachelor of Arts): Required bachelor degree in Arts, Humanities or related field.
- Com (Bachelor of Commerce): Generally, requires bachelor degree in Commerce or related stream such as BBA, BBS, etc.
- MCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications): Requires Bachelor degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science or IT. While some Universities allow admission of students having Mathematics as Subject in their graduation.
- MBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): Generally, available for students from any stream having bachelor degree.
4. Entrance Exams:
- Some courses generally Online MBA course admission, may require entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT or others.
- Some Universities may conduct their own entrance exams or interview for admission in online bachelor’s programs, while some allows direct admission to their courses.
Admission Process for Online Education
1. Registration:
- Visit Website of University in which you want to take admission.
- Register yourself on the University admission portal by Phone Number and Email ID.
- After Completion of Registration, you receive Registration ID and Password to the registered Phone Number or Email ID or both.
2. Application:
- Login with Registration ID and Password to the admission portal.
- Fill the required information correctly in the Application form.
- Verify all details provided in the application form and submit.
3. Documentation:
Prepare scanned copy of following documents:
- Aadhar Card
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th or Equivalent Marksheet
- Graduation Marksheet (In case of master degree course)
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Caste Certificate (for OBC/SC/ST)
- Income Certificate (for EWS)
- Work Experience Certificate (for Executive Courses)
- Any other Certificate (If mentioned)
After submitting all the personal information new page will be open.
Upload all the necessary documents in format which is mentioned there and submit it.
4. Payment:
- After Submission of documents, secure payment gateway portal page will be open.
- Pay through UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or any other payment methods.
5. Verification:
- Submit Final Application form and take print or save the copy.
- After Verification process, Student receive conformation message via SMS or mail or both with ID and password of Student Learning Management Portal.
- Through Learning Management Portal student get access to their courses.
Books of Online Courses
- “Marketing Management” by Philip Kotler, Kevin Lane Keller, Abraham Koshy, and Mithileshwar Jha
- “Financial Management” by I.M. Pandey
- “Operations Management: Theory and Practice” by B. Mahadevan
- “Organizational Behavior” by Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. Judge, and Seema Sanghi
- “Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases” by Fred R. David and Forest R. David
- “Programming with Java” by E. Balagurusamy
- “Data Structures and Algorithms” by Narasimha Karumanchi
- “Database System Concepts” by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan
- “Operating System Concepts” by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, and Greg Gagne
- “Software Engineering: A Practitioner’s Approach” by Roger S. Pressman
- “Principles of Management” by P.C. Tripathi and P.N. Reddy
- “Marketing Management” by Philip Kotler and Kevin Lane Keller
- “Financial Accounting” by P.C. Tulsian
- “Managerial Economics” by D.N. Dwivedi
- “Business Law” by N.D. Kapoor
- “Programming with C” by Byron Gottfried
- “Fundamentals of Database Systems” by Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant B. Navathe
- “Object-Oriented Programming with C++” by E. Balagurusamy
- “Data Structures Using C” by Reema Thareja
- “Computer Networks” by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall
- “Advanced Accountancy” by R.L. Gupta and M. Radhaswamy
- “Financial Management: Theory and Practice” by Prasanna Chandra
- “Corporate Accounting” by S.N. Maheshwari and S.K. Maheshwari
- “Management Accounting” by Khan and Jain
- “Business Environment” by Francis Cherunilam
- “Financial Accounting” by P.C. Tulsian
- “Business Law” by M.C. Kuchhal and Vivek Kuchhal
- “Corporate Accounting” by S.N. Maheshwari and S.K. Maheshwari
- “Principles of Marketing” by Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, Prafulla Y. Agnihotri, and Ehsan ul Haque
- “Financial Management” by I.M. Pandey
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
- “Contemporary India: Economy, Society, Politics” edited by Neera Chandhoke and Praveen Priyadarshi
- “An Introduction to Literary Theory” by Terry Eagleton
- “India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy” by Ramachandra Guha
- “Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques” by C.R. Kothari
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
- “Contemporary India: Economy, Society, Politics” edited by Neera Chandhoke and Praveen Priyadarshi
- “An Introduction to Literary Theory” by Terry Eagleton
- “India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy” by Ramachandra Guha.
- “Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques” by C.R. Kothari.
- “Mathematical Analysis” by S.C. Malik and Savita Arora.
- “Linear Algebra” by K.C. Prasad, K B Datta.
- “Abstract Algebra” by S. K. Mapa.
- “Topology” by James R. Munkres.
- “Partial Differential Equations” by Lawrence C. Evans.
Benefits of Online Education
- Accessibility:
Online Education in India provides learning accessibility to vast population. India is a country known for its diverse population with different geographic conditions. Traditional learning higher education method is not accessible to remote and rural areas. Online education pathway provides effective learning method to these rural or remote students with electronic device and internet connection from recognized top colleges and universities.
- Affordability:
Cost of pursuing traditional education in India is achieving new heights day by day. Online Education offers more effective and affordable alternative method to fulfil education demand in society to help students in career development. Online education reduces serval charge such as hostel, textbooks, traveling and many more. Scholarships and financial aid provided by government, universities or institutions also offered to economically weak students. Online education in India also has lower tuition fees compare to traditional education system.
- Flexibility:
Online education in India offers more flexibility mainly for working professionals or student with responsibility to fulfil subject knowledge and degree requirements by allowing them to learn according to their schedules in their speed and style. It balances the responsibilities without compromising own career goals and allow them to enhance in career.
- Varieties:
Now-a -days, online education in India offers lots of variety of online courses with different programs according to needs and interest of students with diverse career options. There are wide range of subjects offered by universities from technical subjects to creative field subjects. Different degrees and certification programs are available to enhance the skills of working professional without taking any break from the work.
- Technology Advancement:
Development of technology helps in revolution of online education in India. Different tools like video lectures, virtual labs and many more helps in making better learning experience to students. Recorded lectures availability allow students to learn according to their schedule mainly for working professionals and students with responsibilities. Learning Management System (LMS) tools provide instant feedback, notifications, and learning platform which helps students to strengths their knowledge.
- Skill Development:
Online education in India also helps in practical skill development along with theoretical knowledge, which is very important for today’s job standard. Many Online course are specifically designed to fulfil demand of modern industries by developing soft skills like communication, leadership, time management, professionalism, and many more.
- Standard Quality:
Mainly online education provided by universities are UGC recognized and standards are maintained by NAAC which ensures high standard of education in India. Online education is taught by experienced faculty or industry experts which provides students adequate knowledge and valuable insights.
- Global Exposure:
Online Education in India curriculum is designed by visualising global standards along with India, which is very important in today’s interconnected world. Some University online program in India is conducted by interlinking international institutions to provide better learning experience to their students. Students also gets opportunity to interact with peers, instructors, industry experts from different part of the world to learn and understand global issues which helps in career of Indian students on an international level.
- Sustainable Learning
Online education in India provides environmentally friendly learning environment to the students as compared to traditional education by reducing the use of physical resources which lowers carbon footprint. Digital resources can also store more and flexible data as compare to paper, and allows access from any part of the world.
Challenges in Online Education in India
Digital Devices:
To access Online Education in India, requires availability of Digital medium which includes:
- Internet Access: In rural areas there is always lacks of reliable internet access connectivity which results in slow and unstable connection. Especially online education streaming video lectures and live sessions require high speed internet connectivity.
- Device Availability: Not everyone has electronic devices like computers, laptops, tabs or smartphones. If a device is available then they do share among multiple family members because of low-income households.
- Engagement and Motivation:
Keeping students engaged and motivated throughout the session is more challenging in online education compared to traditional education. Students may go through with several distractions to their learning place or may get distracted with social media. Marinating disciplined focus in such conditions is important for the learners. Many different activities such as group discussions, face to face interactions, peer learning and many more are difficult to implement in Online mode
- Assessment and Evaluation:
Determining Students class performance or ensuring academic integrity is challenging for instructors. Sometimes detecting cheating or Online assessments work plagiarism can be difficult to determine authenticity of students. Traditional assessment and exams are not suitable method for online education. It needs to develop new effective ways to solve these types of problem.
- Infrastructure and Technical Issues:
Infrastructure and Technical issues are crucial problem of online education in India. Technical glitches, server down, and many more disrupt the digital learning process, it needs robust and reliable platform. Both Students and Teachers face several issues during class session.
- Economic Barriers:
Economical problems are main barriers for many students in Online education system in India. Cost of purchasing electronic devices and cost of high-speed internet connection is still expensive for many families generally for economic weaker sections in society. Maintenance cost of electronic devices, subscription and others also include in cost effectiveness.
- Linguistic Diversity:
India is known for its vast diversity and variety of linguistic region which possess challenges for Online education. Many Online courses are offered in English, which can be a barrier for regional remote students. Creating learning accessibility to diverse group of students in different languages is significantly a challenging task.
- Policy and Regulatory Issues:
Online education framework in India is still evolving with technology upgradation and government policies. Online education must satisfy different regulatory requirements which is time consuming, specially for small level institutions.
- Social Aspects
Online Education may affect student with mental and physical health due to lack of social interaction and physical activity. Students may have to go with stress, anxiety and many other issues. May lack of Social skills in these students due to lack of peer interactions and group activities.
- Adaptation:
Students and some times teachers need time and support to adapt online mode of education. May they require specific training of using new technologies and platforms. May have to go through with several technical issues and take time to make comfortable with technology.