Distance Education

Distance Education in India

Last Updated On: 06 Jun 2012

In a world where people are often torn choosing between an education and a job, distance education has truly been a boon for millions of people, across the world. Distance education allows students to develop themselves in a holistic manner, as they are able to involve themselves in various activities during the course of their educational program.

Students who do not have to commit themselves to work can educate themselves through various courses offered while pursuing their hobbies or passions. Most distance education universities and institutes design their courses in such a way that there isn't too much pressure put on the student. This form of education is also ideal for working professionals who are considering higher education but do not want to quit their jobs.

The distance education programs enable students to manage work and other activities along with studies. Some institutes may require students to attend a certain number of classes’ on-campus, but this varies depending on the course and the university.

The scope of distance learning is huge in India, and is continuously growing considering the needs and population of the country. Diplomas, under graduate, Post graduate and doctorate degrees are offered by various universities in India through this mode. Courses are offered in various streams including science, arts, commerce and management. Students can choose their preferred subjects and courses from the ones available, which include B.A English, History, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Hindi, Sanskrit, B.Com, B. Sc Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Economics and Geography, B. Lib Bachelor of Library Science, B. Ed and BBA.

India has lots of universities and colleges offering distance education courses. Many Indian states, such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi have colleges offering distance education. Many universities across the country have sections dedicated to distance education while others have also been set up with the sole purpose of distance education such as Indira Gandhi Open University. Some of the major universities offering distance education courses include Annamalai University, Guru Jambeshwar University, Jamia Hamdard and University of Delhi School of open learning.