Online degree programs have gained significant momentum since the advent of UGC regulations on the Online Learning (OL) mode for UG and PG degree programs. Currently, over 80 universities in India are recognized to offer full-fledged online degree programs.
While this number might seem high, it represents only 7-8% of the total 1100+ universities in the country. Although most universities offering online degrees are popular within their home states or regions, a select few have created a pan-India presence.
While most universities offering online degree programs are popular in their home state or nearby areas, a few universities have successfully created demand across India. These universities stand out for their pan-India popularity:
Top Universities Offering Online Degree Programs
1. Amity University
To browse Online Degree programs offered by Amity University Onlineclick here.
2. Manipal University Jaipur
To browse Online Degree programs offered by Online Manipalclick here.
3. Lovely Professional University.
To browse Online Degree programs offered by Amity University Online click here.
4. Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune.
To browse Online Degree programs offered by Amity University Online click here.
What is NIRF?
The Ministry of Education introduced a ranking system in 2015 known as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across India, based on parameters like:
- Teaching, Learning, and Resources
- Research and Professional Practices
- Graduation Outcomes
- Outreach and Inclusivity
- Perception
As of now, these rankings are the only official rankings endorsed by the government for universities and institutions in India.
NIRF Rankings of Universities Offering Online Degree Programs (2024 vs. 2023)
The universities that have successfully created a pan-India demand in offering online degree programs are among the top 100 universities in the 2024 NIRF university rankings. Below is a comparison of their rankings from 2023 to 2024:
| Sr. No. | University | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank | Remarks |
| 1 | Lovely Professional University | 27 | 38 | Up 11 ranks |
| 2 | Amity University | 32 | 35 | Up 3 ranks |
| 3 | Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | 44 | 46 | Up 2 ranks |
| 4 | Manipal University Jaipur | 64 | Not in top 100 | Up significantly |
As we can see, all these universities have improved their rankings in the past year. This goes a long way to prove that these universities are not only popular amongst learners of OL mode on a pan-India level but are also constantly making efforts to improve their academic and operational standards.
