Shiksha.com, a college admission related information platform, has published results of a survey that it conducted on its student visitors, who have registered themselves for receiving admission updates. Titled ‘Indian student preference on Online degree courses’, the survey revealed an increasing trend of acceptance of these online degrees.
The survey showed that bias against online degrees dropped from 36% to 24%, showcasing increased acceptance and credibility while at the same time a 68% increase in two years showed a rising preference for online degrees from reputable institutions, underlining online education’s growing recognition.
Among the other findings of the survey is the insight that after the pandemic, online education gained traction, with an 8% rise in awareness compared to 2021. Notably, 96% knew about self-paced, cost-effective online skill programs. Non-technical fields like Commerce, Design, and Science showed more interest in online degrees, surpassing technical disciplines. Around 60% of technical respondents favored online degrees, especially in Technology and Engineering.
Student concerns included missing on-campus experiences (25%), doubts about online course credibility (23%), and job prospects worries (20%) due to credibility and instructional differences. However, 31% valued online programs’ accessibility, 23% appreciated the convenience of flexible schedules, and 19% highlighted cost-effectiveness. Notably, exclusive content access fell to the fourth priority.
Shiksha’s survey identifies strategies to establish trust in online degree programs. Recommendations include integrating a two-week campus visit for online students, seeking accreditation for program credibility, offering affordable fee structures, ensuring high-quality course content, and providing robust student support. Implementing these measures can create a solid and credible framework for online education, addressing concerns and enhancing the learning experience
The survey report provides an overview of the emerging trends in online degree courses, with a particular focus on the mindset of students from the technical stream and non-technical streams, their most pressing concerns regarding pursuing online degree courses, factors in favor of taking online degree courses and also focuses on students’ reaction towards online degree courses offered by prestigious universities.
