Several universities and colleges in India offer online degree programs, including Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and other master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. This includes some of the most well-known educational institutions in the country as well. However, before choosing such programs, it is essential to consider some fundamental factors to make an informed decision. The first among them is accreditation from bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). You must ensure that both the program and the university have been accredited by relevant bodies such as these. 

Payment options and program fees are also a significant factor in this regard. Always compare the total fee structure of the program/s and check out the payment plans available to you in this regard.  

This article will discuss the leading online degree programs in India under ₹2 lakhs and highlight the reasons for selecting online degrees for your higher studies. At the same time, it will point out the criteria that you must focus on while choosing these programs. It will detail the particulars of such programs offered by the three universities – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). The article will also detail the advantages of selecting such affordable programs.  

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Why Choose Online Degrees?

The online degrees below 2 lakh in India provide you with several advantages, which make them such compelling propositions. The primary among such benefits are affordability and flexibility, which is why they are such an attractive option for a diverse array of students. They let you study at a pace that you are comfortable with, often cost significantly less than on-campus programs, and allow you to accommodate your education around your work. On top of that, such education can broaden your network, improve your time management skills, and thus help you advance your career as well. 

• Flexibility and convenience: These programs offer you flexible scheduling, a comfortable learning environment, and locational independence. Online programs let you learn at a pace and a schedule that suits you best. They allow you to fit your studies around your various obligations, such as family and work. You can access the lectures and coursework of these programs from anywhere you want to, as long as you have an internet connection. This means that you no longer have to worry about commuting or relocating. 

• Value and affordability: They can lower your expenses, offer you financial aid, and have great potential for career advancement. These programs often have lower tuition fees, especially compared to the traditional, on-campus programs – here you can also save on expenses such as housing, meal plans, and transportation. 

• Career advancement and skill development: Online programs are a great option when you are looking to develop your skills and advance your career in the process. They are invaluable for career changers and help you develop digital skills that are in high demand. Online programs allow you to acquire new knowledge and skills so that you can pursue promotions and career changes without disrupting the job you are currently working in. The networking opportunities that you get in these programs are among the finest of the lot as well.   

• Access to high-class education: These days, all the top universities and colleges around the world offer these courses. This means that you can now access high-quality education from anywhere you wish to. It also helps that here you get to choose from a diverse array of courses apart from enjoying the scope of personalized learning. 

• Greater time management and efficiency: A significant benefit of these programs is that they teach you how to manage your time better and offer a more focused learning experience. When you balance your studies with other important commitments in your life, it helps you develop strong organizational and management skills. 

An Interesting Read: Will employers accept online degrees?

Criteria for Selecting Online Programs

Even when you are trying to choose the cheapest UGC-approved online degrees, you must consider certain factors so that you can make the best choice. This includes the likes of accreditation, course quality, support services, and flexibility. Apart from these, you must assess the structure, faculty expertise, content, and career support. Focusing on all these factors will make sure that you select a program that aligns with your learning style and goals.

• Recognition and accreditation: The most critical factors in this context are accreditation, institutional reputation, and program recognition. Always check if a regional body has approved the program. Doing so will ensure that you receive a high-quality education and your degree will be recognized by various other entities, such as employers. Research the reputation of the institution, such as its rankings, industry connections, and alums reviews. 

• Course content and quality: In this regard, you must look at the curriculum, course structure, faculty, and learning materials available in the program. Check if the program is relevant to your goals and the extent to which it aligns with the conventional degree programs.   

• Support and flexibility: The program must offer you scheduling flexibility, good support services, an ideal duration, and ample high-quality networking opportunities. Always choose a program that fits your schedule the best, especially when you are busy with other commitments. 

• Value and cost: Apart from the fees and the return on investment that you get from such a program, you should also focus on the financial aid that it offers you. Always compare the cost of the program with similar programs from other educational institutions. 

• Career support and practical application: The program must provide you with benefits such as skill development and placement assistance. Make sure that the program offers you valuable skills that are relevant to your career goals. Its alum success record must be a good one as well.      

Also Read: Are online degrees acceptable in the USA?

Top Online Degree Programs Under ₹2 Lakhs

The following table offers you information on some of the most prominent online degree programs under INR 2 lakh, including some of the most affordable online MBA programs in India.

Read More: What is the examination process for online degree students?

Conclusion (H2)

The three universities on the Online Manipal – MUJ, MAHE, and SMU – offer some of the best budget-friendly online courses in India. Apart from being cost-effective, these programs are flexible and accessible. They offer you the chance to earn a recognized degree from some of the most reputable educational institutions in the country. At the same time, you manage your other crucial commitments in life, such as family and work. They also provide you with access to a diverse array of programs in different disciplines, and they include features such as career support and interactive learning tools.

• Cost-efficacy: The tuition fees in these programs are usually lower compared to their offline counterparts. They also eliminate the need for expenses such as transportation, meals, and accommodation.

• Flexibility: These programs offer you a flexible learning schedule, which lets you study at your convenience and preferred pace. This is why these programs are the ideal options when you have other commitments in life, such as work.

• Accessibility: You can access the low-cost MCA online programs and others from Online Manipal from anywhere, provided you have an internet connection that works. This means that if you are a student living in a remote area looking for higher education, these programs are the right options for you. The same also applies if you have mobility limitations. 

• Reputation: All the universities whose courses are available on the Online Manipal platform are reputed names known for the high-quality education that they provide. 

Check These Out: How our UG learners leveraged online degrees for career growth, and How our PG learners leveraged online degrees for career growth

FAQs

1. Are online degree programs under ₹2 lakhs valid in India?

Yes, online programs below INR 2 lakhs are valid in India, provided they are offered by a UGC-recognized university and they comply with the online educational rules and regulations of UGC.

2. Can I get a job after completing an online degree program?

Yes, you can always get a job after finishing an online degree program. Many employers recognize these degrees nowadays, especially when they are from reputable institutions and offer in-demand skills such as problem-solving and digital fluency.

3. Are these programs recognized by UGC or the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE)?

Yes, both AICTE and UGC recognize many affordable online programs, which make them valid options for higher studies and employment. Thus, before you choose any online program, please verify its recognition by either of these two bodies. 

4. Do online degrees offer placement support?

Yes, the reputed online degree programs provide you with placement support such as job placement assistance, networking opportunities, and career guidance. These programs also have devoted placement cells, recruiter partnerships, and job websites to help you land jobs following graduation.

5. Is it possible to pay fees in installments or equated monthly installments (EMIs)?

Yes, you can pay the fees of your online program in EMIs or installments as well. Many educational institutions and online learning platforms nowadays tie up with financial entities to offer you EMI options.

6. Which is the best online degree program for working professionals under ₹2 lakhs?

The most prominent among the affordable online degree programs under INR 2 lakhs for working professionals in India are the MBA programs. Apart from these, you have specialized programs like online MCA and BCA courses.

Although technology had evolved, we had to wait until COVID-19 to fully grasp online learning. But ever thought about the science behind it? Knowledge has been floating around for a long time, and the ways the human mind has absorbed it have varied.   

And then online learning has now taken the forefront of education, creating a wave of revolution, or in simple terms, making the lives of millions easier. When asked about e-learning, students often mention that it’s flexible, provides a remote environment, and saves a lot of money, among other benefits.   

But ever thought that’s really why it is successful? Definitely not for the above reasons. It has more to do with the psychology of it. The beauty lies within how the human mind perceives it. And, on a very serious note, this blog discusses the hidden mechanism, i.e., the psychology that fuels its continued success. 

An interesting find: Advantages of Online Learning for Working Professionals 

Understanding the Psychology of Learning 

When we examine the basic psychology of learning, it reveals how individuals perceive and respond to their environment. This runs deep, helping educators understand the various learning strategies by examining their cognitive abilities.  

Why Online Learning Works: The Psychology Behind Its Effectiveness 

Initially juggling both challenges and opportunities, online learning has now become more adaptable among individuals. There was always a misconception that it was less effective than traditional classes. However, this only remained true because it was the less-traveled road. Eventually, the situation became better, and it turned out that the above cognitive metrics can also be applied to online learning.   

But how is that possible? Let’s find out.  

Also read: Online learning: Pros and Cons of Online Education 

Self-regulation 

If you are an online student who can manage your schedule, attend classes, focus on the topics, and stay motivated, then you have cracked the code of self-regulation. It is extremely challenging to accomplish all this without external supervision. This skill acts as an add-on for future job performances and also improves emotional intelligence.   

Self-efficacy 

As the saying goes, “It starts with you” having a mindset that you will succeed, regardless of the circumstances, is one of the most crucial motivational drive required for online learning. Hence, students with self-efficacy are at the core of overcoming any technical challenges, turning their focus to course modules, which in turn leads to academic success.   

Cognitive Load Theory 

Did you know that our brain can only take a limited amount of knowledge at a time? This concept is known as the cognitive load theory.  As a being in the online learning realm, students will have to do a lot of heavy lifting, such as navigating the LMS, attending classes, processing the course structure, breaking down the syllabus, and consuming it into digestible chunks, among other tasks.   

Intrinsic Motivation 

Every student should have an internal drive to achieve success. It can be both upsetting and exhausting to take in a lot at once. Unlike an external factor, such as a professor, there will be no direct supervision to monitor the students. Hence, showing up with higher persistence rates and connecting online education with personal goals, among other things, will take online learners a long way.    

Give this a try: The Psychology of Motivation 

Mindset Theory 

Carol Dweck introduced a new theory called mindset theory. This interesting theory explains how different people can think about intelligence. It is broadly divided into two types, namely growth mindset and fixed mindset. The former focuses on people who stress that abilities cannot be changed and are said to be static. Whereas on the other side, the latter is a big thumbs up on the belief that intelligence can shape abilities and it tends to evolve.    

Also read: Unlocking Career Growth: The Transformative Power of Online Learning 

Learner Autonomy 

Every student has a unique learning process. This depends on various factors such as their personal goals, the environment they live in, their level of interest, and so on. Learner autonomy is the process wherein the learner is the sole responsible person and free to take up strategies on how they move forward with their learning journey. Speaking in the context of online learning, this is where students can shine by carefully managing their time, staying motivated, and using their resources mindfully.   

How Online Learning Impacts Student Behavior and Outcomes 

Every student is unique, and so is their learning journey. Hence, online learning has brought quite some unexpected benefits among students as follows:   

Better Self-Discipline and Responsibility 

Online learning enables students to manage and go through their schedule in a very disciplined manner. Moreover, this indirectly makes them more self-regulated, which is considered an essential skill needed throughout the enjoyable voyage of online classes.   

Students learn to: 

• Set goals 

• Manage distractions 

• Track progress 

• Reflect on learning strategies 

More Inclusivity for Different Learning Styles 

This is no ordinary traditional learning method. Online learning can be way more interesting with the addition of images, statistics, voice notes, and so on, enabling students to absorb content in a way that suits their individual preferences.    

Empowerment of Quiet or Anxious Students 

Not everyone thrives in a traditional classroom. Online forums allow introverted students to participate at their own pace, expressing their thoughts without the pressure of speaking in front of a group. This creates more equitable participation, ensuring diverse voices are heard. 

Development of Metacognitive Skills 

Online learners often become more aware of their learning process. This is called metacognition, the ability to think about one’s own thinking. 

It helps students: 

• Identify what works for them 

• Adjust strategies when they struggle 

• Become independent, lifelong learners 

Conclusion 

The secret behind the success of online learning isn’t just access or convenience, it’s psychology. By aligning with how the brain learns best through autonomy, rewards, personalization, and reflection—online education provides students with the tools to thrive. 

Of course, it’s not perfect. But when thoughtfully designed and paired with a little self-awareness, online learning can be just as impactful, if not more, than traditional classrooms. 

When it comes to Online Manipal, we have a dedicated LMS (Learning Management System) that helps our online learners with an excellent course structure, which enables them to manage their cognitive load effectively. Further, it also supports autonomy and plays a great role in their academic success.