What Is A Digital University Easy To Learn & Success 1

What is a Digital University, and Is It the Future of Indian Higher Education? Full Facts and Updates for 2024

With the proposals made by the union government in the National Budget 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP), digital universities are set to become a reality in India’s higher education landscape. But what exactly is a digital university?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the concept of a digital university and how it can greatly benefit students. Continue reading to learn more about the details.

What is a Digital University?

The term ‘digital university’ has been gaining traction in academic circles and among students since it was highlighted as a significant initiative by the union government in the National Budget 2023 and the National Education Policy this year.

However, before delving deeper, the primary question is: what exactly is a digital university?

A “digital university” is a university that operates entirely online using internet facilities. In a digital university, all courses are taught and learned through digital and electronic means (ICT measures) in a virtual environment.

A digital university is designed to be a fully-fledged central institution that exclusively offers students a diverse array of online courses in various formats. Unlike traditional online educational courses, this digital university aims to provide a comprehensive and centralized educational experience, catering to a wide range of academic and professional needs.

Degree Courses
Diploma Courses
Certification Courses

The concept of a digital university in India is essentially an innovative blend of several existing educational frameworks, including online learning, open distance learning (ODL), and various edtech initiatives.

The “Hub and Spoke” Model

The UGC and other leading government educational bodies have suggested establishing digital universities using a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model.

This essentially means that the digital university will function as a centralized institution with a single core unit responsible for managing all administrative and technical operations. In addition, it will have multiple collaborative partners that offer a variety of educational courses to students.

In this model, the hub serves as the central unit of the digital university, encompassing all administrative bodies and the technical unit responsible for ensuring the university’s effective functioning.

The spokes will consist of various educational collaborators, including top higher educational institutions from India and abroad (colleges, universities, etc.), and edtech platforms. These collaborators will provide a range of educational courses to students in a digital format.

What actions has the government implemented to establish a Digital University?

The concept of a central digital university has been highlighted in the National Budget 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) as a priority for immediate development. The Government of India (GoI) and several statutory bodies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), have recently taken various initiatives, which are summarized below for your convenience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed the establishment of a central digital university through an act of Parliament.
In discussions with organizations such as UGC, AICTE, and other stakeholders, the Department of Education has proposed the immediate initiation of the process to establish the university.
The UGC is planning to introduce new regulations for online education. Under the proposed changes, universities ranked within the top 100 by NIRF and with a NAAC rating of 2.36 or higher will be allowed to offer online courses without needing approval from the UGC-DEB.
Additionally, under the latest UGC regulations, students can now earn up to 40% of their required credit points from institutions outside their own university. This initiative aims to encourage the growth of online education in India.
UGC has partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to set up Common Service Centres (CSCs). These centres will provide students in remote or underdeveloped areas with access to high-quality internet and technological resources, facilitating online education.
The government also suggests that universities and colleges collaborate with edtech platforms, allowing top institutions to offer online courses through these platforms.

Are there any digital universities in India?

Currently, India has two digital universities:

Digital University Kerala

The Digital University Kerala, established in 2020 under the Digital University Act, Kerala, is a fully digital higher education institution. It aims to deliver top-notch educational services through digital means. Currently, the university offers three postgraduate programs, all conducted entirely online.

The courses offered by DUK are:

Post Graduate Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Post-Doctoral Education
Diploma Programmes

The university offers scholarships to support students in their education and helps them build a thorough understanding of their field. Additionally, it fosters connections with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.

Digital University Kerala
Courses Available	M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering M.Tech in Electronics Engineering M.Tech in Electronic Product Design M.Sc in Computer Science M.Sc in Data Analytics M.Sc in Electronics M.Sc in Ecology MBA MBA for Working Professionals (On-Campus) Doctoral Programmes Post-Doctoral Programme PG Diploma in Development Informatics PG Diploma in e-Governance
Scholarship Facility	Available
Placement Facility	Available
Mode of Education	Online

Why Should Students Choose a Digital University?

As a student, you might wonder why you should opt for higher education from a digital university rather than a traditional one.

Here are some key features of a digital university that could make it an excellent choice for your higher education:

A digital university won’t have any restrictions on course enrollment numbers, so you can take a course without worrying about seats filling up.
Admission to the digital university doesn’t require entrance exams or high cut-off scores. You can enroll in your preferred course with minimal eligibility requirements.
Online education is generally more affordable than traditional in-person learning, making it more accessible to a larger number of students and helping them avoid the heavy financial burdens associated with full-time offline education.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with English or Hindi— the new digital university will offer courses in various regional languages of India, so you can attend classes in your mother tongue.
The digital university will be advantageous for students by providing the opportunity to pursue education without the need for relocation, offering greater flexibility in their learning experience.

The Vision of a Digital University

Establishing a central digital university in India could be a significant step toward making high-quality education accessible to all. This initiative would be a pioneering effort in delivering widespread online education to students across the nation.

Establishing a digital university in India can offer numerous benefits.

Increasing Youth Enrollment Rates in Higher Education

The primary goal behind establishing the digital university was to expand access to higher education for the youth and students of India. By creating a digital platform, more students can enroll in higher education, making it more inclusive and equitable. This increased enrollment not only broadens educational opportunities but also ensures that the nation cultivates a well-educated and skilled workforce. Additionally, the digitization of higher education allows students in remote, underdeveloped areas to access quality education, regardless of their location.

Breaking Through Financial Barriers in Higher Education

Another significant factor contributing to low enrollment rates in higher education and high dropout rates is the financial burden it imposes. In India, higher education is generally very costly, making it inaccessible to many aspiring students, with only a few institutions offering more affordable options. This issue is particularly pronounced in the case of regular full-time programs offered by colleges and universities nationwide.

Conversely, online education is relatively affordable and often comes with flexible EMI options, enabling students to pay the course fees in installments. This makes the concept of a digital university a valuable solution for easing the financial burdens of higher education, ultimately making it more affordable and accessible to a broader range of students.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Many prestigious educational institutions are known for their exclusive entrance examinations or strict eligibility criteria for admitting students to various programs.

Many students who wish to enroll in their desired course face difficulties gaining admission to their preferred university or college. The intense competition and the pressure to excel in entrance exams often lead students to seek extensive coaching, which can be prohibitively expensive for many.

To address this issue, a digital university has been proposed with minimal eligibility requirements. Students need only have completed the examination for the relevant degree, with no entrance exams or percentage thresholds needed for admission to the online courses offered by the university.

Additionally, as proposed by the government and the UGC, there will be no limit on the number of seats available in each course at the university. This means that countless students will have the opportunity to access top-tier educational services offered by leading universities both in India and abroad.

Enhancing Skills and Contributing to the National Economy

With constant advancements in the corporate sector and industry, both students and professionals must continuously update their skills and competencies to remain relevant and advance their careers.

A digital university initiative can provide students with education that goes beyond the standard syllabus through internships, research programs, and experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, it promotes entrepreneurship and offers flexible short- and long-term courses online, enabling working professionals to continuously enhance their skills and stay updated with advancements in their fields.

If a digital university initiative successfully achieves its goal of boosting literacy rates among Indian youth, it will also lead to a significant positive impact on the nation’s economy.

Globalization of Education in India

One of the long-term goals of creating a digital university is to eliminate the constraints of physical relocation. By operating in a virtual environment, higher education in India can become more globalized. This will enable top educational institutions from around the world to collaborate with Indian institutions, fostering a well-connected and internationally integrated educational network.

The Government of India aims to enhance the local educational landscape by expanding access to education through digital courses offered by a new digital university. Additionally, efforts will be made to deliver mainstream educational courses in regional languages, thereby overcoming the language barriers that many students face in higher education and allowing them to learn in their native tongues.

Bridged the Digital Divide

While the adoption of digital technologies is increasing across India, a significant digital divide persists, particularly between urban and rural areas. To address this gap, establishing a digital university and enhancing initiatives like Common Service Centres (CSCs) are essential. Additionally, providing affordable electronic devices, improving internet access, and offering technological support will help bridge this divide and ensure more equitable access to digital resources.

Challenges Faced by a Digital University

While the concept of a digital university represents a promising future for higher education in India, it is important to acknowledge the challenges involved in pursuing and effectively implementing this initiative.

Here are some key challenges that need to be effectively addressed to establish and ensure the success of a digital university in India:

Access to Resources for Online Learning

The digital divide remains a significant issue in India today. While electronic gadgets, internet services, and other digital tools are widely used in urban and developed areas, many rural and remote regions still lack familiarity with these technologies. To make online higher education accessible, it is crucial to first address this disparity by providing students in these underserved areas with the necessary electronic devices and reliable broadband internet access, ensuring they can effectively participate in online learning.

Students from such backgrounds should receive basic training on using these facilities to grasp concepts and advance their education, as it may differ significantly from their previous conventional education.

Integrating Online and Distance Learning into the Mainstream

Another issue to consider is the general reluctance people have toward choosing online or distance courses. According to the latest UGC guidelines and the approval from the Ministry of Education of India, online and ODL (Open and Distance Learning) education are considered to be as valuable as traditional education.

To make the digital university in India a successful reality, it’s essential to integrate online and open distance learning (ODL) education more effectively. This integration is a key objective in establishing the digital university.

Internet Access and Connectivity in Remote Regions

One of the most pressing issues that must be addressed to ensure effective online education is improving internet connectivity. Many regions in India still suffer from inadequate or unreliable internet access. To enable students in these remote areas to pursue higher education courses comfortably, it is crucial to strengthen internet infrastructure first.

Attention Span of Students

A significant challenge that became evident during the global pandemic, when many universities shifted to online learning, is the need for engaging and interactive course design. For a digital university to succeed, it must ensure that its educational courses are crafted in a way that provides an immersive and comprehensive learning experience, similar to traditional in-person education.

Effects on Other Economic Sectors

The creation of a fully digital central university will impact various sectors of the economy, including hostels, lodging, academic print media, and offline student services. It’s crucial for the relevant authorities to carefully consider and address these issues before launching the university.

Successful Implementation of Online Education

Despite the growing number of universities and higher education institutions offering online courses, the advent of a comprehensive digital university necessitates specialized training for both educators and students in virtual teaching and learning methods. They must become adept with online learning tools. Teachers, in particular, require targeted training to effectively deliver lectures and conduct examinations in an online environment.