How Do Online Degree Courses Work in India? Check Structure & Current Scenario

7 mins read5.8K Views Comment

Updated on May 20, 2021 17:10 IST

The key reason behind approving the offering of online degree courses in India is to give all students an opportunity to access higher education with ease irrespective of their location.

Online degree courses are becoming increasingly popular in India as well as abroad. These courses are meant for those students who want to take up a degree course and prefer the online medium of classes over the more traditional and conventional medium of regular classroom teaching. Online degree courses are by definition, those courses which can offer a degree certificate from an accredited university or college upon completion of the course by a student through the online or digital medium of the Internet. Online courses are preferred by many students who want a flexible course where they can study at their own time and place.

Structure and Regulation Behind Online Degree Courses in India

Earlier online degree courses were not legal in India and were banned by the Indian government. However, in recent times, the government of India has formulated some regulations and a framework under which some colleges and universities can offer online degree courses in India. As per the latest government guidelines, the top 15% of Indian colleges and universities can offer online degree courses. However, there are several clauses. These colleges and universities have to be accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and should be ranked A+ by NAAC. In case, they have not been ranked A+, the government has provided them with an opportunity to improve their ranking and then offer the courses.

Higher education institutes offering online degree courses, cannot offer courses in medicine or technology.

Such online degree courses should be non-technical in nature which means that higher education institutes that are offering online degree courses, cannot offer courses in medicine or technology. Therefore, only high-quality and recognised institutes can offer online degree courses in India, in order to keep the course content of superior quality. The key reason behind approving the offering of online degree courses in India is to give all students an opportunity to access higher education with ease irrespective of their location.

Current Scenario of Online Degree Courses in India

Online degree courses in India was largely limited to online certificate courses earlier. But now with the approval of online degree courses, various highly credible institutes are offering degree courses in fields such as business management and arts, etc. This is helping in bridging the gap that conventional education leaves to its inability to reach all the nooks and corners of this vast country. Even the government is aiming to improve its gross enrollment ratio in higher education through online degree courses.

Benefits of Online Degree Courses in India

Online degree courses has several benefits in a country like India. The advent of fast internet, cheaper smartphones and laptops and a connected world have exposed Indian students to the benefits of online degree courses. Also, the world is moving fast towards the online mode of education in the current pandemic times. The online mode of education is being adapted as the new normal.

Cost Advantage: Online degree courses are much cheaper compared to the regular degree courses available in Indian colleges and universities. This is so because it does not involve any fees for the maintenance of college infrastructure. It also helps the student save money on hostel expenses, food and commuting expenses as well as charges incurred from using campus sources like library fees, etc. Therefore, it is a value-for-money proposition for Indian students many of who do not have the financial capacity to educate themselves in expensive colleges.
Flexibility: Indian students like the fact that they can both work and study when they enroll themselves in an online degree course. Such courses offer students the flexibility to study from the comforts of their home at any time of the day without quitting a job.
Deep Learning: Online degree courses do not suffer from the problem that most conventional colleges suffer from. They offer the students the option of studying at their own pace. There is no risk of falling behind others if a lecture gets missed or if a student’s doubts are not cleared in time. There is no need to pace yourself according to the teacher’s speed of teaching. This helps the students as they can clear their doubts one by one and proceed towards completion of the course. It makes the learning much more impactful and deeper.
Career Accelerator: Online degree courses act as career accelerators for Indian students. Many of the students are working professionals who need a specific course on their resume to gain the required skills or confirm an eligibility criterion to be eligible for a promotion or a new job role. By improving their knowledge on a subject matter, they can stay relevant in their fields and keep themselves updated on the latest techniques and tools in their industry.

In a booming emerging economy like India, online degree courses are bound to be taken up by students eagerly. Students want to make the most of the opportunity that the world of online degree courses can provide for them to change their lives for the better.

Read More:

FAQs Related to Online Learning

Q: What is online learning?

A: As the names suggests, online learning is the learning which happens online. Online learning happens through the use of internet where no physical classroom is present. Simply put, online degree courses are those courses which can be taken up by students from any part of the world through the medium of internet.

Q: Are the online degree courses legal in India?

A: Yes, various universities and institutes are resolving to the online mode of education and many have been approved by the government to offer the online degree courses. The government has formed regulations and frameworks for the online courses and set the guidelines to be followed by the institutes. These institutes should also have to be accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and should be ranked A+ by NAAC.

Q: Is online learning effective?

A: Yes, many studies have shown that online learning has proved to be a very effective option for students around the world. The students have engaged more in the class and have had better interaction with teachers and peers.

Q: What are the advantages of online mode of education?

A: The advent of smartphones, fast-paced technological advancements and a world connected through the internet has brought in a lot of benefits amongst which, online education is a booming benefit. The online mode of education carries with it various advantages such as is cost-efficient, flexible, easily accessible, a great career accelerator, etc.

Q: Can I pursue a master's degree through an online mode of education?

A: Yes, students can now avail degree courses through online learning. Earlier, online degree courses were only limited to certificate courses.

Q: What are the disadvantages of online learning in India?

A: Issues such as consistent internet connectivity, low technical knowledge, diverse socio-economic conditions, higher distraction rate, less interaction, loss of sense of connect, etc. are some of the major challenges with online education.

Q: Is online learning better than the traditional mode of learning?

A: This is a debatable question, as both methods of learning have their advantages and disadvantages. However, it has been observed that the online mode of learning has emerged as the preferred and finer method of learning. The online learning method is much more flexible and casual but with classroom learning its easy to ensure discipline and attentiveness in the class. However, with the prevailing situation in the world, the online mode of education has become the new normal.

Q: Can I study technical courses through online learning too?

A: Yes, many universities in the country are now providing technical courses too via online mode of education.

Q: How does online learning help in career advancement?

A: Online degree courses act as career accelerators for students. Many students are working professionals who need a specific course on their resume to gain the required skills or a new job role. By improving their knowledge on a subject, they can stay relevant in their field of work and keep themselves updated on the latest techniques and tools in their industry. They can enhance their technical skills which will be an added benefit.

Q: What is the average cost of an online degree course in India?

A: The average course fee of an online programme or course in India varies from college to college. The private institutes have higher fees as compared to the government colleges. The average fee for online programme in India however, falls between Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

Q: Which courses can I pursue online?

A: V arious credible institutes are offering degree courses in fields such as business, technical, management and arts, etc. Students can choose from a wide variety of courses depending on their interest and choice.

About the Author:

Sahil Raza is a writer and educational counsellor in management studies. Sahil has over 8 years of experience in the education sector and he is Chief Education Officer at Talentedge.

About the Author

Shiksha Knowledge Series

This account contains a repository of insightful articles by subject matter experts from all walks of life talking in-depth about various facets of course/college/career selection and corresponding challenges and le... Read Full Bio