India is poised to become a global leader in distance education: NCVET Chairman

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Chairman of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), on Thursday, said India is poised to become a global leader in distance education, with increasing internet penetration and the development of e-learning platforms.

Addressing the 20th annual convocation of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) here, Mr. Tiwari said distance education enrolments, which include those from open universities, constitute 10.62% of the total enrolment in higher education and added that open universities have been playing a significant role in enhancing access to higher education. The admissions indicate that open universities contribute notably to the country’s overall Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), he said.

AI, Adaptive Learning

Stating that open distance learning (ODL) and online education are experiencing unprecedented growth globally, the NCVET Chairman said the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), artificial intelligence-driven adaptive learning, and blended learning models has made education more interactive and engaging.

Countries worldwide are integrating ODL and online learning into their national education policies to bridge skill gaps and meet the demands of evolving economies, he added.

Making an observation that the landscape of online and distance learning is rapidly evolving, Mr. Tiwari said the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 has emphasised the importance of technology-driven education, fostering innovation in digital learning, and expanding the reach of higher education institutions.

Listing out the Centre’s digital learning initiatives, the MSDE Secretary said the government of India has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen ODL and online education. The SWAYAM platform offers high quality courses from premier institutions, ensuring affordability and accessibility for learners across the country.

National digital university

Speaking about the National Digital University envisioned under the NEP-2020, Mr. Tiwari said the university aims to integrate online and open learning resources to create a seamless educational ecosystem.

The NSDC and the Skill India Mission focus on vocational training through programmes like PMKVY, improving employability. The National Digital Library of India provides millions of digital resources for students and researchers. The DIKSHA supports school education with e-learning content for teachers and students.

“These initiatives collectively bridge the education-employment gap, empowering learners with flexible learning options and driving digital transformation in India’s education sector,” he said.

Academic knowledge and industry skills

Mr. Tiwari said the regulatory bodies, such as the NCVET, are working towards bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry skills. Skill development programs, vocational training, and digital education initiatives are equipping learners with employability skills, ensuring that education remains relevant in an ever-changing global landscape. Karnataka State Open University has been at the forefront of this educational transformation, he said.

Honorary doctorate conferred

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, who presided over the convocation, conferred an honorary doctorate on Dakshayini S. Appa, chairman of the Sharanabasaveshwara Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Kalaburagi, and C.M. Irfanulla Shariff, chairman of the Indian Education Society, Chitradurga. The honorary doctorate was conferred in absentia to Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi.

The Governor also presented 41 PhDs, 54 gold medals, and 58 cash prizes to students. As many as 17,348 candidates, including 6,402 male and 10,946 female candidates, received various degrees at the convocation.

Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V. Halse welcomed the guests and read the university’s report. Registrar K.B. Praveena, registrar (evaluation) H. Vishwanath, and dean (academics) Lakshmi were present.