Distance Education in India

Technological advancements have made it possible for students to gain education sitting in any corner of the world. Distance education is a mode of education that aims to deliver education to students who are physically unable to attend the classes on-site. It provides access to learning and knowledge to those who are separated from the source of knowledge and information by space, time and distance.

Distance Education aims at creating the same classroom experience either via virtual platforms or through learning centres set up in the vicinity of the student. Distance learning was first introduced in India by the University of Delhi in 1962 through the School of Correspondence courses.

The Distance Education Bureau (DEB) is a body under UGC which regulates and maintains the standards of distance and open education in India. All institutes offering distance education should be recognised by UGC-DEB. According to DEB, distance education enrolment constitutes approximately 11% of the total enrolment in higher education. The AICTE publishes the guidelines for distance education in the field of technical education.

Why distance education?

Typically distance education is opted for by students who are unable to attend on-site classes due to social, geographical, physical or financial restraints. Distance learning breaks these restraints and bridges the gap between the student and the teacher through electronic media and other means of communication. People who are engaged in the workforce also opt for distance learning because it is flexible and helps them earn a degree while studying. Distance education is also far inexpensive compared to the traditional model of education since it does not involve expenses on transport, extra-curricular activities, celebrations, food and accommodation, etc.

Courses offered in distance learning

Distance learning offers degrees in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral programs and other courses like Diploma, PG Diploma, Certificate programs, Non-credit programs and online programs. All of these programs are offered in fields like Management, Arts, Science, Social Science, Commerce, Technology, etc.

Instructional System

In distance learning, the learning process is more learner-oriented, where the student is actively engaged in the process. Instruction takes place through a multi-media approach where the students are provided with

• Self-learning course material
• In-person counselling at the study centre by an academic counsellor
• Audio-video material sent to students via radio or television
• Teleconferencing
• Assignments, projects and the like

The course material is dispatched to students in printed or e-book form. The study centre will have facilities like a library, audio-visual facilities to assist the student. Academic counsellors also provide guidance to students. The AICTE has also initiated the concept of virtual labs for technical and science courses.

Eligibility and Admission

The minimum eligibility for a Bachelor’s program is 10+2 or its equivalent, whereas, for Master’s programs, the candidate requires a Bachelor’s degree from any recognised university. Certificate programs only require a 10+2, while PG Diploma programs require a Bachelor’s degree. There is no minimum or maximum age requirements for any of these courses.

The admission procedure varies from one university to another. Some universities conduct entrance examinations to select candidates. All candidates are required to fill in the application form, which will be available on the respective university’s website.

Scope of distance education

Degrees earned from Open universities and other institutions recognised by DEB are valid for employment. Most job requirements do not differentiate between degrees earned by the traditional model of education and distance education.

Advantages of distance learning

• Learner-oriented- The distance education mode is more learner-oriented. The learner is not passive in the teaching-learning process, and hence they understand concepts better.
• Learn at your own pace- Students can learn at their own pace since they are not compelled to attend face-to-face classes. They are free from the burden of attending daily classes. It is flexible and hence extremely helpful for people who are working.
• Affordability- Distance education is less expensive than regular education. It is affordable for people from various backgrounds.
• No age bar- People of any age can study in the distance mode. Education is not denied in the name of age.
• Accessibility- There is no problem with accessibility. Students can learn from anywhere in India.
• Study while you work- Students can manage their studies while working a full-time job. People from any class, irrespective of age, can earn a degree if they are eligible.

How to choose a distance education program?

• All students aspiring for distance education programs should make sure that the university in question is approved by UGC-DEB and/or AICTE. Choosing a well-recognised institution for distance education is essential.
• The UGC publishes a list of approved and fake universities. It is necessary to check the list before applying.
• All open universities have study centres throughout India. The university’s website publishes a list of centres in India. Students must go through the list and check whether a study centre is in close proximity to their residence.
• It is also essential to check if the study centres provide proper facilities to learners. Information regarding study centres will be available in the program’s brochure.
• The student must also check whether the university offers online classes to people who cannot attend classes at study centres.

Universities offering Distance Education Programs