Online education has made learning more accessible to all sectors of society, especially those interested in making a smoother transition to other careers without ignoring their current responsibilities. The global online education market has more than 500 million students, and the number of learning platforms continues to grow to meet this increasing demand. Over the last few years, classrooms have begun applying the latest innovations in information technology to enhance learning experiences. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Cloud, IoT, and Virtual Reality have made virtual classrooms truly immersive.

The online education market is valued at INR 91.41 billion and is forecasted to reach a valuation of INR 325.48 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR rate of 17.9% from 2021 to 2026. Schools and universities have realised the importance of delivering online courses, especially after physical classes had to be suspended due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The Indian Government has also launched major initiatives such as the National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR), National Initiative for School Heads And Teacher’s Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA), and ‘ShaGun,’ to facilitate the implementation of online classes nationwide and provide higher quality education. This article will look into the best accredited online colleges of 2022 and the top reasons you should apply for UGC-approved online degree courses in India.

Online degree programmes

The history of online education dates back to the days of the early 1990s when the Open University of Britain launched its first online learning programme in the world. Since then, times have changed, and today with the widespread availability of high-speed internet, online education has grown by leaps and bounds. Online degrees are available in very specific niches these days, and it’s not uncommon for students to pursue programmes such as MBA, MCA, BBA, BA, M.Com, etc.

UGC is a recognised body in India responsible for overseeing and evaluating the quality of education offered by colleges and universities. It established the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in September 1994. Since then, it has adopted a philosophy of continuous improvement to ensure colleges and universities deliver the best courses. There are currently over 50 universities approved and accredited by UGC to conduct the best online courses in India. 

Advantages of online degrees 

Here are the pros of pursuing an online degree:

• Academic freedom – The biggest advantage of online degree programmes is the level of academic autonomy they provide to students. Having access to multiple courses from anywhere in the world is a great advantage, and students have course materials made readily available to them. How much time they are willing to invest into the programme depends entirely on them.
• Increased flexibility – Students can choose their learning schedules and study at their own pace. There are no fixed time commitments, making online degrees perfect for those juggling various responsibilities. Working professionals can also attend these programmes, and the exams conducted are proctored online semester-wise.
• More convenient – Online degrees can be done from the comfort of one’s home. There is no need to travel to the institute or university by bus, train, or car. Commuting is not required, and this lets learners save energy, relax, and invest time into the learning process. Students can learn from instructors across the world and interact with peers without leaving their homes.

How to select the best online college for you?

Choosing an online college is not simple because every learner’s requirements are personalised. There are many things to consider, but the most important factors to look out for are the institution’s track record for placements and its accreditations. Below are some tips on selecting the best online college or university for you.

Determine your subject

Choosing the subject you want to study is important, and it is the first step to choosing your college or university. Various programmes have different career paths and outcomes, and many universities offer foundation programmes to their students. Before committing to a course, make sure you research your majors and review the starting salaries upon graduating. High paying majors include degrees in business, healthcare, technology, and others. Be sure to check the syllabus for each course and the student ratings online before enrolling.

Select a list of colleges that offer your subject

Not all universities will have the programme you’re looking for or have accreditation status. Do research on which ones let you do a degree online and pick accordingly. Not every college will offer all the subjects of your choice, and some may have certain limitations.

Check the Learning Management System (LMS) because it’s crucial for taking classes. If the website doesn’t perform well and you may not be able to log your progress, that’s a deal-breaker. If you are unsure about the student experience, talk to the individuals who have graduated from that institution.

Verify the ranking and accreditation of the institutions and their programmes 

Accredited degrees are preferred by employers and show that a university meets the quality guidelines set by these accreditation bodies. Accredited degrees are viewed as reliable and reputable by prospective companies, thus greatly improving the chance of landing good a job after graduation. The National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a framework adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank higher education institutions in the nation.

Analysing the starting salary packages is a good way to determine if the college offers good placement assistance. For meritorious students, financial aid and scholarships should also be available. Some undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are conducted with affiliation to other international universities, which is an important aspect to look out for.

What is the accreditation of a college?

Accreditation means that an institute is competent enough to perform specific conformity assessment tasks such as inspection, certification, and testing. The best way to verify a college’s accreditation is by visiting official websites and going through database listings. UGC website is a good starting point, and there are other accreditation agencies you can check, such as NAAC, NBA, VCI, COA, and AMBA.

Why does accreditation of a college matter?

Accreditation matters because it boosts the credibility of a college or institution. It helps potential students invest a certain level of trust in the university, and employers know that courses conducted follow the best standards.

Does the programme delivery suit you?

How often are live lectures conducted, whether the programme meets your quality requirements, and if the delivery modes are suitable – these are very important points you must answer before enrolling in any course. Some programmes have frequent quizzes and assessment tests, while others do proctored online exams with live lectures for attendance. Check with the university before making a decision. Additionally, the student portal through which coursework is conducted must work properly and not be prone to downtimes or delays for an optimal studying experience.

Best online degree colleges in India

The following is a list of online degree colleges in India, and they are all NAAC accredited and UGC approved. UGC-entitled online degrees are recognised by employers worldwide, and the push for online education has led to many universities in the nation offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online. Most of these universities provide placement assistance and career guidance to students as well.

Colleges	Programmes offered	Average salary (annual)	Additional features
Manipal University Jaipur, (NAAC A+ & UGC-entitled)	Online BCA, MCA, BBA, B.Com, M.Com, MBA, & MA JMC	INR 7.5 lacs to INR 22 lacs	Advanced Learning System, e-library, attractive scholarships, career guidance and support, and placement assistance
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (NAAC A++ & Institute of Eminence)	Online M.Sc in Data Science, M.Sc. in Business Analytics, & MBA for working professionals.	INR 10.8 lacs	State-of-the-art learning management system (LMS), an extensive e-library, access to alumni network, and free access to Coursera.
University of Mysore	Has online degree programmes in Computer Applications, MBA (dual specialisation), Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, and Master of Commerce	INR 2.4 lacs and higher for fresh graduates	E-material is sent to students along with regular assessments. Degrees are AICTE accredited, affordable, and also recognised by the Government of India
Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, NAAC with Grade A+ accreditation	Offers online degrees in B.Com, BBA, BCA, and M.Sc Mathematics	INR 6 lacs and higher	International students, e-resources, affordable, and online programmes are designed for working professionals
Lovely Professional University, Punjab	Undergraduate programmes in BA, BCA, B.Com and PG programmes in M.Sc Mathematics, Master of Arts, Political Science, History, Sociology, and Economics	INR 5 lacs to INR 62 lacs	Cutting-edge curriculum and expert mentors, best LMS, personalised mentorship, and placement assistance
Chandigarh University Punjab, NAAC Grade A+ accredited	Offers online undergraduate programmes on Journalism & Mass Communications, Business Administration, and Computer Applications. Postgraduate programmes are available for Commerce, Liberal Arts, BA, and Journalism and Mass Communications.	INR 8 lacs to INR 36 lacs	The university is UGC and AICTE-recognised, using the latest learning technologies for their online Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programmes. It also provides spoken English classes, career assistance, and easy EMI financing options for students.
Amity University	Amity University offers online Bachelor’s Degree programmes in Business Administration, Arts, and  Computer Applications	INR 5 lacs to INR 21.5 lacs	The university is accredited by WES, QAA Global, WES, and is UGC-entitled.

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How to get admission to an online college?

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many universities to shift to online modes of education and offer degree programmes remotely. Here is how to get admission to an online college: The college admissions process hasn’t changed,  and students have to apply online and fill up an application form to get started. Below is a step-by-step process of how undergraduate and PG programme admission process:

• Students sign up on the portal and fill in the application form
• All required documents such as 10+2 certificate, national ID, passport, and other relevant data to be submitted
• The application fee (non-refundable) and first-semester payment has to be made
• Once the university approves the application and verifies documents, an online interview is set up. This is where the student speaks with the admissions counsellor or university panel of professors. Some universities have their own entrance exam as well. When students clear these rounds and get accepted, their enrollment in the online degree is confirmed via email and SMS.

Keep in mind these points too – 

• Ensure you meet the general eligibility criteria such as Class 12 and entrance examination scores. Every college has its own admissions requirements
• Apply before the admission deadline. Check the official website of universities for more info on this
• Have the necessary documents ready such as national ID, date of birth certificate, proof of residence, etc.
• Pay the application fee at the time of registration and check for additional eligibility requirements for specific programmes.

Frequently asked questions about online college

As technology is rapidly evolving, online colleges are seeing an influx in admissions. It is important to prepare in advance before applying to these educational institutions. Knowing how to get ready for interviews, contacting for scholarships, and sitting for entrance exams is crucial. Every online college has its own admissions policy or criteria that applicants must fill. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Are online degrees in India a good choice? 

Yes, online degrees in India are good if they are accredited courses. The employment rates for graduates with an online degree are similar to those who attend full-time programmes, the only difference being the mode of learning.

Is it wise to pursue an online master’s degree in India?

Yes, you can pursue an online degree in India if you cannot make time commitments to attend full-time programmes. Finish your degree at your own pace, do the coursework, and take online exams to acquire your certificate.

Can I apply to foreign universities with an online degree certificate? 

Yes, UGC entitled degrees and national and global accreditations are all recognised by foreign universities. After completing your online degree in India, you can apply for enrollment in master’s programmes or higher education in international colleges.

Do online colleges provide placement?

Most online colleges offer placement assistance, but it’s important to check with the institution, just in case.

Is it tough to complete an online degree?

The hardest part about pursuing an online degree is the level of commitment and self-discipline it takes. Learners should have good time management skills and not miss the deadlines for projects/ assignments and online exams. In terms of difficulty for coursework and projects, it’s the same as full-time offline degrees.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever thought of pursuing an online degree in India, the universities on Online Manipal Iike Manipal University Jaipur and MAHE can be excellent choices. We’ve listed the best accredited online colleges of 2022 to help you decide on your institution for an online degree programme. Apply online and wait for the education counsellors to get back to you. If you’re unsure of what programme you are interested in, you can consult the admissions department of the respective institution and ask questions.

With the development of technology, most things have become digital. Online learning has gained much popularity in recent years, and many individuals now prefer to pursue online degree courses over regular ones. One of the reasons for the popularity of such courses is that they provide self-paced learning. Students can continue their education through online learning and invest their remaining time productively.   

Like in other countries, students in India are also enrolling themselves in online degree courses and taking their careers to the next level. Therefore, an online bachelor’s degree will be an excellent option whether you are an employee or just completed your 10+2 and want to continue your study at your pace. 

What is an online degree course?

As the name suggests, an online degree course is a course exclusively conducted online. To pursue this course, students don’t need to attend the college campus, and such a course accommodates those who cannot pursue the regular courses for various reasons. According to a survey, 61% of HR managers believe that online learning is of equal quality with traditional learning. 71% of organisations hire candidates completing online degree courses. 83% of business leaders believe that pursuing an online course from a well-known institute is far better than taking an on-campus course from an average institute.

Some of the features of online degree courses are: 

• There are no barriers to students in case of online courses as innumerable students can enrol into the course at the same time.
• In a competitive country like India, students do not need to go through cutthroat competition to enrol in an online bachelor’s degree.
• Students can attend classes at their convenience.
• A flexible schedule helps the students pursue studies and other activities like working in an office, taking other courses, etc.
• Since there is no expense on furniture and other infrastructure, the online course cost is lower and available at an affordable price.
• Even students from low-income families can also afford online courses from top institutes.
• In the online learning process, one to one interaction between teacher and students makes the class more engaging and interactive.
• A high-quality curriculum helps the students increase their skills and knowledge in an unparalleled way.
• Due to the flexibility of time and other conveniences, students can complete the full course without any difficulty, which leads to a higher retention rate.

Online degrees vs regular degrees

There are some basic differences between online degrees and regular degree courses. The differences are mentioned in the table below:

Online degree courses	Regular degree courses
Online degree courses are less costly	Regular degree courses are more costly
Innumerable students can attend classes simultaneously, and therefore there is no high competition for seats	Only a limited number of students can join the course, making the competition for seats very high
One to one interaction between teacher and students makes the content easily understandable	Lack of adequate interaction creates difficulty for students to understand the content
Classes become more engaging and interesting	Less engaging classes become less interesting
Instructors can clear doubts of students instantly	Students may have to wait to get their doubts cleared
Flexible timing makes it convenient for students to attend the classes	Fixed timing creates inconvenience for attending the classes on time
Self-paced learning	Learning is possible only in the stipulated time
No need to travel	Travelling is required
High-quality curriculum as only top-ranked institutes are allowed to offer online by UGC	The quality of the curriculum depends on the rank of the institute
Less time consuming	More time consuming
Retention rate of students is higher due to being more flexible schedule and engaging delivery	Retention rate of students is low due to lack of flexibility

Why get a bachelor’s degree vs a diploma?

Both bachelor’s degree and diploma programmes are fairly popular options after 10+2. Bachelor’s degree focuses on imparting knowledge by going to the root of a subject. Normally the duration of a bachelor’s degree may vary from three years to six years. In the case of a bachelor’s degree in general courses, the period may be three years. But, in the case of a bachelor’s degree in professional courses, the course period may vary from four to five years.

Unlike a bachelor’s degree, a diploma focuses on imparting a particular skill. The total time for completing a diploma may vary from three months to three years. Due to the absence of proper knowledge, some students go for diploma programmes instead of degree courses. 

A student benefits more by doing a bachelor’s degree rather than a diploma. These have been explained below:

• International institutes always recognise bachelor’s degrees, but foreign institutes may not recognise a diploma.
• Bachelor’s degrees allow students to dive deep into a subject, unlike a diploma that focuses only on teaching what is required.
• Many avenues may open up for students by doing a bachelor’s degree. But a diploma offers only those opportunities for which a diploma course has been created. 
• Bachelor’s degrees offer you opportunities to pursue master’s degrees and go for further studies. But by doing a diploma course, you may not be able to go for further studies.
• The top companies always prefer those employees who have a bachelor’s degree rather than a diploma. Bachelor’s degrees are available in most of the top institutes.

What are the best online bachelor’s degrees in India?

There are many bachelor’s degree courses in India. To know about the best online bachelor’s degrees in India and top institutes that offer these courses along with the average salaries on graduation, look at the table below:

Online degree courses	Top colleges	Average salary (in INR)	Subjects covered
Bachelor of Business Administration	Manipal University Jaipur, Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Madras, Vellur Institute of Technology, Amity University	8 lakhs	Effective Communication skills, Quantitative Methods, Financial Accounting, Principles of Management etc.
Bachelor of Commerce	Manipal University Jaipur, Lovely Professional University, Vellur Institute of Technology	3 lakhs	Banking, Financial Services, Capital Markets, Market Research, Insurance, Supply Chain etc.
Bachelor of Computer Application	Manipal University Jaipur, University of Mysore, Symbiosis University, Lovely Professional University, Vellur Institute of Technology, Amity University	7.2 lakhs	Fundamentals of Computers, C Programming, Operating Systems, Multimedia Systems, Web-based application development.
BAJMC	Amity University, Chandigarh University, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology	5 lakhs	Mass Communication Model and Theory, Print Journalism, Graphics and Visual Communication, Business Communication.
Bachelor of Arts	Symbiosis University, Amity University, University of Madras, Lovely Professional University, Jamia Millia Islamia	Not Mentioned	Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Sanskrit
B.Sc Travel and Tourism Management	Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science	Not Mentioned	Travel Business, Service Marketing, Hospitality Management

How to choose the best online UG program?

Before choosing an online UG program, you should carefully gather some information from reliable sources. Based on that information, you can make your decisions.

Before choosing an online program, you should go through the following steps:

• Research the institute 

Before making a choice for an online course, you should research the institute well. Find out the year of establishment, the total number of students enrolling every year etc. Moreover, you should also find out to which University the institute is affiliated, and whether the institute is accredited or not.

• Course

Once you decide to take the online course, you should find out whether the course offered is fully online or not because some institutes offer partially online courses.

• Fee

Once you decide on the institute, you should check the fee structure and compare the fee with other institutes. You should always compare with them for the same courses. 

• Faculty

You should also gather information regarding faculty, including their qualification and experience, which faculty member is given a higher rating by students etc.

• Time table

You should check whether the time fixed for a class is flexible or not. Also, check whether the videos are available after the live class or not.

• Check requirements

Before enrolling in the courses, you should find out the requirements for the particular course. Check the eligibility criteria. If the criteria match your eligibility, you should apply for admission to the online UG course.

How to get admission to an online bachelor’s degree programme?

Before taking admission into an online programme, you should find out certain information and follow certain procedures.

• Visit the website

To get admission to an online bachelor’s degree programme, you have to visit the official website of the institute. By visiting the website, you will be able to gather all the required information mentioned there. After going through all the information, you have to decide whether you should get admission into the institute or not.

• Apply on the website

After going through all the information; you should apply online to the course you are interested in pursuing.

• Consult with admission counsellor

If you have any confusion regarding taking admission into your desired course, you can consult with an admission counsellor. An admission counsellor will also help you if you are unable to make any decision regarding taking an online course.

• Payment of fee

You can make the payment online by using a credit/debit card or any other mode suggested by the institute.

• Wait for approval

After making the payment, you have to wait for approval from the University. Once approved, you’ll be informed by mail. 

Get a future-ready online bachelor’s degree from Online Manipal

Manipal University Jaipur offers three online bachelor’s degree programmes through Online Manipal at an affordable price. By enrolling in any of these courses, you can get lucrative opportunities. All three courses have been mentioned below:

• Bachelor of Commerce

This course is designed so that you can acquire managerial skills and get success in the field of commerce by building competencies. This three-year degree programme will help you acquire knowledge of accounting principles, export and import laws, economic policies, and trade and business. In this course, subjects include Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management etc.

• Bachelor of Business Administration

This course aims to prepare you in the field of business and make you industry-ready. You can access both live and recorded classes. This three-year online BBA course is open to all students irrespective of their high school streams. Those who are interested in building their career in the field of business administration can opt for this course. Subjects covered in this course are Business Management, Marketing strategy, Communication, Systems and Analytics, Finance etc.

• Bachelor of Computer Application

This online degree course helps you build a lucrative career in computer technology. This three-year course is enriched with Google Cloud Computing Foundations, designed to introduce you to cloud technology. You will also learn from cloud infrastructure to application development. You will be provided practical knowledge with proper assessment and can learn at your own convenience from the comfort of your home. Subjects are IT and Computer Programming in C, Data Structure and Algorithms, Communication Skills and Personality Development etc.

Conclusion

Due to the popularity of online courses, many students have the opportunity to continue their education and other work. Technological developments have made online education more accessible, and students can access knowledge through online education at a very affordable price. Even working professionals can come forward to pursue online degrees to take their careers to the next level. Many institutes now offer online degree courses due to the increasing popularity of such courses. The universities on Online Manipal like Manipal University Jaipur and MAHE can help you find relevant bachelor’s degree courses.

Executives are rewarded based on how many job skills they possess in a hyper-competitive environment. The more skills you have, the more money you will make and the faster you will advance your career. Executives can study at their own pace thanks to online courses in India. They aren’t blocked from the workplace, and they can put their new skills on the job and advance in their career while working. 

Read this article to know how executives could benefit from online courses in India.

How online courses benefit executives

Executives looking to upskill and expand their expertise can take advantage of online courses in India. There are various online courses for professionals that are specifically tailored to their needs. Let’s look at some of the benefits of taking online courses in India: – 

• Improved communication skills: Clear communication is essential for success, yet not everyone communicates in the same manner. Employee engagement and team performance might suffer as a result of an inability to adapt to and handle diverse communication styles. By taking online courses, you can learn how to interact in ways that allow you to impact diverse audiences within your business – from coworkers to important decision-makers. Similarly, you can learn effective communication techniques that will enable your staff to work together toward common goals.
• Personalised feedback and self-evaluation: Getting personalised feedback from your superiors may be one of the most beneficial job development opportunities, as it can help you identify your strengths, flaws, and biggest areas for your progress. High-quality online courses in India offer individualised comments from other experts who are not influenced by a prior relationship. Their sole objective is to assist you in improving your management skills. The course should teach you how to evaluate yourself, exercise self-reflection, and analyse your progress — both in class and at work — to ensure your expertise remains sharp.
• More in-depth understanding of the role: One of the key aims is to be a successful implementer – someone who organises the efforts of others – to achieve corporate goals and objectives. Executives are responsible for a wide range of everyday duties, but their primary purpose is to get things done with and through others.
• Mentorship: The potential to mentor and guide people is a component of management that is usually overlooked. Although 78% of individuals believe having managerial mentors in the workplace is crucial, just 37% of professionals have one, implying that continuing your management courses is more essential than ever. Online courses in India can also enable you to better grasp the ins and outs of a competent manager’s job, allowing you to become a good counsellor to others.
• Improved understanding of change management: Almost every business will go through organisational transformations at some point in its existence. Successful CEOs must be able to initiate, adapt to, and manage change, whether it is as simple as hiring a new employee or as complex as an acquisition. Executives must learn how to create, direct, and shape change processes in online courses in India. Change is a process, not an event. By breaking down the components of an organisational change process, online courses in India can help you build the abilities needed to oversee a shift. It can also provide you with the knowledge to address issues such as how a firm gets from point A to point B, what activities personnel must take throughout changes, and how to ensure that activity is carried out.
• Improved decision-making skills: Executives must be able to make informed decisions that are both effective and efficient. To be successful, you must first learn about the decision-making process, from what elements define a “good” decision to how social, political, and emotional issues play a part in the process. You may learn how to spot and avoid important errors that impair good decision-making processes by taking online courses in India. By pursuing an online course, you can also strengthen both individual and collective decision-making and create an inquisitive approach inside your firm.
• Increases competency: Experience is a vital factor in advancing one’s career. However, if it is enriched with online courses, your knowledge level rises many notches. Online courses in India offer good emphasis on real-life scenarios, problem-solving techniques and up-to-date processes. They motivate you to think carefully and make important judgments. Online courses in India take your managing skills to the next level.
• Add value to the organisation: Online courses in India give value to the firm for which you work. Many companies may even pay for their employees to improve their expertise if they feel it will benefit the company. Employers are confident that employees’ talents and competencies will boost by taking online courses in India. Taking online courses indicates your commitment to your career. Maintaining your professional displays that you are competent and committed to your field. As you advance through your online training, you’ll notice that you’re picking up new skills and industry standards that you can instantly apply in your present position. This also helps you prove to your existing company that you can improve your productivity and effectiveness by attending online courses in India.
• Building a network: Mid-level managers require two critical developmental steps – strengthening abilities and broadening views. Online courses in India will place you in the same room as other powerful leaders from various sectors and backgrounds. Working on cases, arguing together, and inventing new best practices with your classmates will help you build strong and valued connections.
• Increases the potential to earn: Executives must plan and identify the skills required to achieve this aim. The ideal approach would be to select from the accessible online courses in India for executives. With the added qualification, your chances of getting a raise grow dramatically.
• Broadening perspectives: Today’s executives are bombarded with strategic possibilities, new trends, and best practices from all corners of the globe. Future leaders must understand how to perceive evolving environments and modify strategies with high-level execution to properly capitalise on these prospects. Here, online courses in India widen participants’ standpoints in several ways. The best online degree programmes for working adults ensure that learners always get a global standpoint on the business areas that are addressed in the programmes.
• Flexibility: The most significant advantage of an online executive course for professionals is the timeline flexibility it provides. If you are a working professional, online programmes are an excellent alternative because they allow you to spend more time on your career. You can also balance your family commitments and study when it is convenient for you.
• Affordable: Many online degree programmes in India are more inexpensive than those provided at conventional brick-and-mortar universities. You can get the best online courses for working professionals from renowned academicians and industry leaders at a reasonable fee.
• Fast results and feedback: In contrast to a real classroom, you receive scores and comments immediately after delivering tests as part of online courses. Quick feedback and grades enable you to rapidly assess your performance and begin working on it without wasting time. This benefits working professionals as they will be able to balance jobs and study more effectively.

ALSO READ: The role of online degree programmes

Who will benefit from online courses in India?

Anyone, regardless of expertise level, can profit from online courses in India. Here’s how taking an online programme can provide you with the knowledge you will need throughout your future.

• Aspiring executives: If you want to advance in your profession, prepare for it by studying appropriate leadership tactics and structures and expanding your skillset.
• Newly appointed executives: Whether you are in charge of people, goods, or projects, a course can help you develop the abilities you will need to succeed right away.
• Seasoned executives: As an experienced executive, you may continue to refine your leadership skills by utilising insights from professional instructors and skilled practitioners who are in managerial procedures.

How to choose the right online course

You should consider the following parameters while choosing an online course.

• Experience

You don’t want to put your education in the hands of an institution that is still dabbling with online programmes because it is still an evolving medium. Look for an online course that has a well-known brand, years of expertise in running online programmes, and a history of investing in cutting-edge technologies and effective teaching methods. Visit the ‘About Us’ section to understand how many years of online education experience it has and how many programmes and credentials it has granted.

• Accreditation

Make sure that an institution has the necessary recognitions and accreditations before enrolling in an online course. Employers are more likely to accept degrees from authorised colleges in general. This is especially essential when choosing an online degree. The accreditation information is usually shown in the About Us section of the reputed institution’s website.

• Flexibility & convenience

One of the main advantages of online education is its flexibility. You can seek an online institution that provides asynchronous learning, which means you can check in to class on your own time rather than at predetermined hours. This can involve taking part in conversations over many days rather than in real-time, scheduling test dates that work with your schedule or studying video lecture materials in your comfort. If you have a hectic schedule, make sure to inquire about flexibility choices while speaking with an admission counsellor at a university.

• New student orientation

Because online learning differs from face-to-face learning, it’s essential to select an institution that will assist students in making the shift to online learning. Also, seek institutions that offer free trial periods or sample mini-courses so you can get a sense of online learning without enrolling.

• Program diversity

One of the major advantages of online educational institutions is that they provide a wide range of programmes. You can take a wide range of courses and switch majors without trouble if your interests or ambitions change. Another alternative is to seek colleges and universities that offer programmes ranging from an associate’s degree to a Ph.D. degree. Instead of wasting time picking and moving to a new institution, you may continue in a single university with high program diversity throughout your academic career.

• Career Services

Many online courses are career-focused, and you should seek online programmes that will help you find work after graduation or career development. Also, look for programmes that provide career services to current and recent graduates. Pursuing online courses with extensive alumni networks gives you immense opportunities to expand your professional networking.

• Student support

When you are learning from home, you’ll need quick access to help. It’s better to seek online courses in India that include technical support teams to assist you with technical problems and educational support teams to assist you with degree planning and course selection. If you work or have a hectic schedule, search for institutions that offer services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that you can get help whenever you need it. 

• Learning environment

The difference between an entertaining and a tedious online course can be determined by the learning environment. Even if you are not tech-savvy, the best online courses for working professionals include live online lectures that are simple to use and navigate. Their classroom tools allow you to easily connect with your peers and instructor, giving the online setting a more personal feel. If you have a smartphone, look for online courses in India that offer mobile access to the online classroom. Also, make sure the technological requirements are compatible with what you have at home. The best online courses for working professionals provide a learning environment that is accessible from different devices.

• Availability of learning resources

Ideally, online programmes should provide resources on an online learning management system (LMS), which allows you to pursue the course without hassles. Look for programmes with online resources, such as a library and career services. Online lecture series from industry luminaries, virtual experiences of hands-on sectors, and online access to professional tools are all options that can enhance your experience. Before enrolling in a course, you should enquire about the LMS and should be aware of the features.

Tips for taking online classes

Taking online courses in India is a good way to advance your profession while learning new skills. But there’s also the aspect that life is moving quicker than ever, which means managing classes, jobs, relationships, and any other responsibilities may quickly become stressful. While enrolling in online courses to kickstart your career, learn how to establish and maintain balance.

Tell your employer that you are attending online classes: Tell your employer if you’re pursuing an online class or plan to do so if you haven’t already. Your company will not only respect the idea that you’re broadening your academic horizons to improve your job performance, but they may also be able to assist you with your workload. Instead of allocating you to a particularly challenging project, you may take on a less demanding job role while still participating. 

Online courses aren’t always as simple as they seem: Another reason you might consider taking an online class is that you may believe it is easier than regular on-campus classes. Please keep in mind things aren’t the same all the time. While you will be able to learn at your own pace, it doesn’t imply there will be fewer tasks for you to complete. Do some research on the courses you are considering to see how much workload you will be able to take and how much effort you will need to put in regularly for your studies.

Don’t go overboard: Be practical about the amount of time you’ll need to work and study. Concentrate on one course at a time. Evaluate how many classes you can take each semester if you work full-time. Working full-time in every business comes with its own set of obstacles and expectations. Adding a new task i.e., learning to an already hectic schedule will only exacerbate stress.

Determine that you have the technology needed to excel in the course: One of the best aspects of on-campus classes is having access to the school’s computers, libraries, labs and other technological resources. You may have to obtain such resources on your own if you are taking remote learning programmes. When looking for online classes, make sure you have enough internet speed to access the learning resources online, so you can complete all of your learning, reading, and projects on time. Check the technical requirements for pursuing your online programme.

Make the most of your free time: It may seem that you have no personal time if you are learning and working at the same time. However, you must make the most of the free time you do have, as this will give you a better way to integrate your regular job and your course work.

Learn time management techniques: Make a basic timetable for yourself with definite chunks of focused time before you become overloaded with class and job tasks. It’s better to plan ahead of time to avoid mishaps, and dedicating specified hours of the day to work is preferable. Remember that you may change your schedule as you settle into a routine; make sure you don’t delay getting school or work done. It’s the best idea to adjust deadlines to a few days before the assignment is scheduled to give yourself some buffer time.

Make use of what you’ve learned: You don’t have to wait until the end of your online education to put what you’ve learned to use. Look for ways to put your new abilities to the test at work so you can be sure you’re in the right classes and that what you’re studying is benefiting you to improve your job performance. On the other hand, you may apply what you’ve learned at work to see whether taking the class helps you or not. Both approaches can help you advance in your job and personal life by assisting you in many aspects of your life.

Find your comfort zone: Everyone has a different perspective about the best location and time to study. Find a study space and a time that works for you, whether it’s after school at the library, in a quiet coffee shop, or in your bedroom late at night. Wherever you choose to study is just as essential as how you study. Turn off your smartphone to eliminate any disturbances. Once you get started, have everything that you need so you don’t have to break to search for things.

Always take some downtime: You don’t want to put yourself in a dilemma by spreading yourself too thin or pushing yourself into a corner. Allow yourself some time to unwind without having to worry about the course or your job. Taking on too much puts you in danger of burning out, which will have a detrimental influence on your job and education quality. It’s critical to prioritise self-care and carve out time away from work and learning to pursue your hobbies and interests.

Upskill with an online programme from Online Manipal

Online Manipal hosts many online degrees and certificate programmes from various universities, such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ). The currently available online programmes from Online Manipal are Master of Business Administration, Master of Computer Science, Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Commerce, Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Computer Applications. Additionally, the leading online higher education provider offers Postgraduate Certificate Programme in Management, Business Analytics, and Logistics & Supply Chain. 

These programmes are apt for both fresh students and experienced working professionals and are designed to fine-tune their skills to land a job and succeed in their careers. MBA from MAHE is only for those who have at least one year of work experience in a reputed company. The programmes come with reasonable pricing and support the needy candidates with attractive scholarships, and easy fee payment options. Online Manipal also provides free access to Coursera to all their master’s degree students. The mentorship from the first day of your course and placement assistance boost your employment skills and opportunities.

Conclusion

Online programmes are the most effective way for working executives to upgrade their knowledge and skills in their domains or new domains. It helps them to be relevant in the ever-transforming employment market and if possible, to shift their careers without skipping their regular work schedules. 

Online Manipal is the best place to improve their marketability and skill gap. It has elevated flexibility and engagement to the next level by integrating digital technology for delivering online programmes. Working professionals can also use it to stay competitive and advance their careers.