PERCEPTIONS when aggregated provide interesting insights. Students opinions over 11 aspects that constitute the DL experience have been analysed and presented in this article. And what a story they tell!

Over 15 institutes, present in objective ranking are not there in the students’ listing. The top player on the basis of objective data gets lowly placed here. Many factors like the quality of student support, promptness in response, support systems, are all captured in full glory. Both the rankings are complementary.

The soft aspects are reflected more in the qualitative survey and hard data in the quantitative one. See the table in this article or look at the top 10 institutions, categorised parameter-wise thereafter. For 10 top courses we have identified the most preferred institutes. Ideally, make a shortlist based on the perception survey and use the objective ranking to freeze your choices. Good luck !

Reason for choosing Distance Learning (view graph)
Being employed and consequently lack of time is the prime reason why majority of the respondents choose DL. The fact that over 2/3rd of them chose management validates this. The hunger for quick success is also visible, as about 9% of the respondents said they pursue two courses together. Cost effectiveness is the third cause.

RESPONDENTS' PROFILE

Age Profile   This is one sphere, where mature people dominate the scenario. This is understandable as 82% of those pursuing any distance learning course are also working professionals. The survey also supports the fact that UG level DL courses still remain the last option for many.

Educational Background  Though evenly distributed across disciplines and levels, students with basic UG degrees are slightly more (32%). Despite legal hassles BE/ BTech still draws students.

 PROGRAMME PROFILE

Most Sought after PG programmes Management is a clear winner here (over 70%, including PG Diploma). MCA is a distant second, and its popularity is on the wane if you go by the students’ response to its value. But, MA is not preferred at all, reinforcing the popular perception that DL students only seek value for money.

Most Sought after UG Programmes The top 5 courses together account for about 4/5th of the total students, showing an immense hunger for a basic graduation, largely owing to eligibility criteria for various competitive exams.

Programmes Pursued  MBA is the most sought after programme. MCA is the next most preferred DL course. But over 89 different courses including exotic ones like Vaishnavism and Acupuncture are also being pursued, vouching for diversity that the field offers

Usage of Study Centres by Students   Personal contact is the most missed aspect of a Distance Learning programme. No wonder over 34% students claim they have never used the services of a study centre. And amongst the users the satisfaction levels are varied.