Is online degree valid? Yes they are because online degrees are in demand because they offer flexibility and accessibility to individuals who want to upskill themselves.
The Times of India stated that 20.3 lakh Indian students have enrolled in open and distance learning for the academic year 2021-2022. This upsurge shows that more learners are recognizing the appeal of online degrees for boosting their skills and credentials.
But, are online degrees valid? The answer is yes. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has put to rest the debates on the validity of online degrees versus regular full-time degrees.
On September 2, 2022, the UGC published a ‘Public Notice‘ for students, the general public, and others. The notice made it clear that all degrees obtained through online mode are equivalent to those obtained through conventional modes. This means that the mode of learning will not be a barrier for upgrading one’s qualifications.
Accreditation for Online Degree Programs
In India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is a regulatory authority for higher education to ensure standards and quality across universities.
The UGC has a list of recognized universities in India, covering those offering degrees in both traditional and online formats. So, the online degree validity often depends on whether the UGC recognizes the institution providing the program.
The list of recognized universities can be accessed through the UGC’s official website or by direct inquiry. Some universities include:
- Manipal University
- Amity University
- Lovely Professional University (LPU)
- Chandigarh University
- Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research
- D.Y. Patil Deemed-to-be University
- DR. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
Tips To Choose a Valid Degree Online
Verify the credentials of faculty members
Faculty influences the quality of online degrees. Research if the faculty that will teach your course has both relevant academic credentials and practical experience in their respective fields.
Opt for a well-structured curriculum
The chosen course should cover necessary topics and equip students with the skills required in the field. Offline degrees sometimes lack focused specialisations. Online courses fill this gap, providing targeted learning. They provide specialised courses like graphic design, filmmaking or data science and analytics. Recruiters now prioritise a candidate’s credibility over just looking at the degree label.
Academic support
Look for universities that offer services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career guidance. Getting guidance when needed helps students experience a smoother learning journey.
Key Pointers of Valid Online Degree
- Online degree programs can be offered only by those Higher Education Institutions (HEI) which are either recognized or entitled by the regulatory body – University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Adding to the above point, the Higher Education Institution (HEI) must have secured a position in the top 100 rankings at least twice in the last three years or hold a prestigious NAAC rating of A+ for online degree program eligibility.
- For an online degree approved by UGC, learners will engage in online study through a structured learning management system (LMS). This platform will provide access to course materials, lectures, and assignments.
- Students can take exams through a computer-based test or pen-and-paper test in an online proctored environment.
Pros and Cons of Online Degree
| Pros | Cons |
| Learn as per your schedule | Limited Face-to-Face Interaction |
| Study from anywhere | Potential for Distractions at Home |
| More affordable than traditional programs | Lack of Campus Resources and Facilities such as libraries and computer labs |
| Wide range of online courses and programs | Technology Requirements and Dependence |
| Opportunities for working professionals to further their education | Perceived Lack of Social Interaction |
| Eliminate travel time and associated expenses | Potential for Technical Issues and Glitches such as internet connectivity, Operating system compatibility for certain software or hardware |
Is an Online Degree Valid for Recruiters?
Employers widely believe that an online degree is valid. Individuals who obtain a graduate or postgraduate degree from a reputed, UGC-entitled university, have an equally worth candidature as an offline degree.
In the current global and digital environment, where remote work is increasingly common, the adaptability showcased through online education can be seen as an asset.
As long as the online education program is accredited and aligns with the requirements of the job, employers are likely to view it as a valid and valuable qualification.
Is One Time, Two Degrees Valid?
Yes. Students can pursue two full-time degrees at the same time (except for PhD programs). They can either opt for:
- Both degrees offline (considering the timings of both the programs do not overlap)
- Both degrees through Open and Distance learning or online mode
- One degree through Open and Distance learning or online mode and another degree offline
For more details about taking two degrees simultaneously, check here
Conclusion
The Government of India’s proactive push to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio has led to a significant shift in recognizing the validity of online degrees.
The UGC’s support for online learning shows a dedication to increasing access and providing different paths for formal education. This pivotal step reflects a dedication to ensuring a higher percentage of Indian youth completes their higher education, for a promising future.
