College Vidya, which helps students make informed online education choices, has released a study that showcases significant changes in the education landscape, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
As per the popular education platform, the study reveals that Online Education has shown an unprecedented surge, with a 32% growth in demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in 2023. It further predicts a 20% increase in 2024,
As per the study, the following are the key elements behind this increase in the demand for online Education.
Access to Technology
Increased access to technological devices has enabled students from smaller cities to easily communicate with educators and experts globally.
Legitimate and Credible Learning Sources
Increased awareness among people about full-time online education courses and credible universities’ acceptance of Online Learning are two primary factors that have majorly contributed to the 45 per cent growth in enrollments over the last year. This has also increased potential students’ confidence in the legitimacy and authenticity of these programs.
Increased Digital Literacy Level
Increased internet services have directly increased literacy levels in digital skills that have aided the accessibility of online Education.
Radical Changes In Educational Experiences
Students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have witnessed transformational changes in their educational experience. With access to online education platforms, students have greater access to better opportunities. Online Education has opened up many higher education opportunities, eradicating geographical barriers. Affordability: Online Education has presented qualitative, affordable learning options. Students can break through financial constraints and pursue their desired courses at reputable universities while working.
Career Advancement
Online Education has accelerated career growth opportunities among the workforce, enabling people to upskill, change careers and tap into better opportunities in their work, even in smaller areas. As per the study, over 32% of working professionals from smaller towns invested in upskilling programmes in the past year. The primary reasons revealed include staying employable and staying abreast with the industry’s rapid growth.
Increased Opportunities for Women and Specially Abled
Women in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have demonstrated a strong desire to continue their education without giving up. Online Learning also encourages those with special needs to pursue their academic goals and offers a welcoming and inclusive option for Higher Education. As per the stats, 23% of women and 11% of people with special needs have registered for online courses in 2023.
Top Four States
After carefully examining enrollment statistics from over 13 cities, this study reveals that West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh are the top four states with the highest number of enrolled students. These states indicate the significance of influencing regional educational trends and substantially contributing to the total enrollment numbers.
Course and Programme Preferences
Several courses and programmes have been efficient In certain cities. Work-Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) such as B.Tech and M.Tech, as well as online MBA, B.Com, and M.Com degrees, have become quite popular. The professional significance of these courses, their equal acceptance by UGC-DEB, and the dearth of normal mode higher education choices in these cities all contribute to their success.
Rohit Gupta, COO and co-founder of College Vidya, says, “Addressing the challenges associated with online Education, especially in Tier 2 & 3 cities, is crucial. With this study, we wanted to highlight the growing demand for online courses in smaller towns. And to address this increasing demand, we are committed to providing academic counselling to overcome awareness gaps, enhancing offline availability of learning materials to combat connectivity issues, and offering personalised assistance and better student support for a seamless learning experience.”
The realisation that online Education is on par with regular modes, coupled with eliminating geographical constraints, has propelled students from rural areas towards Online Education. As we move into 2024, we foresee a continued acceleration of Online Education in these cities, shaping a future where Education is not just a pathway to success but a beacon of empowerment, he further added.
About CollegeVidya
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Noida, College Vidya is one of the most popular education platforms in India’s online learning environment. The extraordinary team of visionary founders, Mayank Gupta (co-founder and CEO), Rohit Gupta (co-founder and COO), and Sarthak Garg (co-founder and CMO), are responsible for the organisation’s amazing achievement. With a strong commitment to helping students advance their careers, Mayank Gupta saw that the industry required a transformation in the current sales-oriented strategy. Working on his idea, he introduced CollegeVidya, which offered a transparent system that gives students realistic and reliable information about different universities and courses, pointing them in the direction of a variety of exciting career options. With a long history dating back to the prestigious Blackboard Education & Research Foundation, which was founded in 1996, College Vidya has established itself as the leading nationwide resource for decision-making on Online Education. The organisation, which is innovative at heart, is committed to revolutionising the current educational landscape and granting everyone access to excellent educational opportunities.
