DL in India

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Kizmet, May 15, 2014.

Loading...
  1. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    There has been more discussion recently of distance learning programs at Indian schools, perhaps because of the affordability factor. Understandably, there has also been some confusion around accreditation issues as very few of our members are familiar with the Indian system of accreditation of universities. msganti has been quite helpful in this regard. Below is a link to the 13 state open universities in India. These schools all operate in the DL mode. My hope is that we can accumulate, within this thread, a list of "accredited" Indian universities, public or private, that offer DL programs. All input is welcome.

    http://mhrd.gov.in/state_open_hindi
     
  2. Ed Edwards

    Ed Edwards Member

    This is about to become my favorite thread..
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  6. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Noted in other threads recently, Don Bosco University in Northeast India offers a set of MBA programs and a Master of Computer Applications by distance.
     
  7. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    The market for non-traditional education in India is huge, perhaps the biggest in the world. For example, Indira Ghandi National Open University alone claims an enrollment of some 3 to 4 million students. However, my impression is that such schools are oriented primarily towards residents of India, and to a lesser extent towards Indian expat communities in other countries (generally in Asia, Africa, or Europe).

    So are Indian schools really a practical option for most degreeinfo readers, who tend to be American or Canadian? I don't know, but my impression is that I haven't seen a lot of success stories in this forum, despite the obvious interest. So I would encourage those who do have experience studying with Indian schools from the US or Canada to post about it in this thread.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 15, 2014
  8. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    Correct spelling is "Indira Gandhi National Open University", sorry
     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I have been under the same impression and do not know the exact answer. Clearly the policy will vary with each university adopting its own standards. I found this on the IGNOU website:

    http://www.ignou.ac.in/ignou/aboutignou/division/id/vision

    I may have the opportunity to contact some of these schools over the weekend.
     
  10. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    And here is what that link says about IGNOU's international offerings:

    My guess would be that most degreeinfo readers are located outside of those particular countries.
     
  11. Messdiener

    Messdiener Active Member

    While I am anxiously keeping a watchful eye on programs coming out of India, I will comment that few seem to be fully "online" as is more common in the West.

    For example, when I perused programs in a number of departments at IGNOU, almost all were labelled "distance" but most required what appeared to be proctored exams and regular "attendance". While all IGNOU departments had an "online" category as a degree option, I have not as of yet found any programs listed in this field for any department.

    Do any Indian universities offer 100% residential-free degree or certificate programs either by postal correspondence or the internet?
     
  12. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    One of my hopes in starting this thread is to answer that question. I'm not sure that anyone knows the answer at this point but perhaps through a joint effort we can make that determination.
     
  13. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Most people who post, yes. Most people who lurk, or read a few threads they see from a Google search, I'm not so sure.

    As for IGNOU, something tells me this isn't so cut and dried. One of their administrators told me that they would consider my doctoral research proposal should I submit one, so clearly exceptions can sometimes be made. And it's interesting that they have examination centres in countries that are not on that list, including Jamaica, Nigeria, Malawi, and Fiji.
     
  14. msganti

    msganti Active Member

  15. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    IGNOU's list of "examination centres" includes a total of 659 locations, primarily in India, but also some in other countries, mostly in Asia and Africa.

    The fact that IGNOU maintains an extensive network of B&M "examination centres" clearly suggests that they may require proctored exams for at least some of their programs. If that is true, then the apparent absence of "examination centres" in places like the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia could make such programs impractical for residents of those areas.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 16, 2014
  16. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    That's true, at least for programs that are taught rather than research based. If I recall correctly, sometimes external students sitting exams for UK universities can do so at UK embassies and consulates, but I have no idea whether India has that sort of system.
     
  17. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Some years back, I heard (unsubstantiated) that one could arrange to write IGNOU exams at the nearest Indian Embassy. Caution: no reliable source. Perhaps msganti or someone else knowledgeable on Indian distance higher-ed would know for sure.

    And I note Don Bosco University is run by a Roman Catholic religious organization. I would hazard a guess that acceptable proctoring arrangements might be possible through the Catholic Church or possibly Catholic schools in one's community.


    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 16, 2014
  18. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    If that's true, and if Indian Consulates and Embassies both qualify, then North Americans would have the following options:

    West Coast: San Francisco, Vancouver
    East Coast: New York City, Washington DC
    Great Lakes: Toronto, Ottawa, Chicago
    South: Atlanta, Houston
     
  19. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Well, that would at least be something. :smile: I'd be lucky. Toronto is only an hour away. I think it might annex us, once Rob Ford has been dealt with. :smile:

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 17, 2014
  20. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    IGNOU has been elusive on this. I can swear couple of years ago, I saw somewhere on their website about setting up a study/exam center in USA, but can't find it anymore. I believe taking exams at an Indian embassy was an earlier thing, mostly aimed at Indian students located in African and Gulf countries. Don't know if it still exists. Only an authority with the university can confirm.
    As per their web site, exams are taken online using an online proctoring service:
    Online Examinations | DBU Global
     

Share This Page