Most Discussed Questions About Online Degrees in 2025

Accreditation and University Reputation

Accreditation ensures that the institution or the programme meets certain academic standards and quality benchmarks. On the other hand, the reputation of a university impacts the value of an online degree. Here are some of the questions students ask around the accreditation and university reputation:

• Are online degrees UGC accredited?

• How do I check if my university is UGC-recognised?

• Does university ranking matter for online degrees?

• Are online degrees from IITs/IIMs more valued than others?

• Should I choose a reputed university with higher fees or a cheaper one with average reputation?

Validity and Recognition

Whether online degrees are valid and recognised globally and among the industry people is another concern put forth by students.

• Is online degree valid in India and internationally?

• Are online degrees from foreign universities recognised in India?

• Do MNCs and private companies accept online degree programmes?

• Do employers accept online degree courses?

• Are online degrees equally recognised as regular/distance degrees?

Cost and Time

Affordability and flexibility are some of the biggest advantages in an online degree. Question that students most discuss around the cost and time of online programmes are:

• How much do I have to pay if I enrol in an online degree course?

• Are online degrees more affordable than regular/distance degree courses?

• Are scholarships, EMI, and discount options available in online degrees?

• How long are the online degree programmes?

• Can I work full-time while pursuing online degrees?

Learning and Student Support

Since online degree courses are delivered virtually, would students be provided with quality learning and student support is one of the common concerns for learners.

• How are classes conducted, live, recorded, or hybrid?

• What student and learning support are provided in an online degree course?

• Do I get an opportunity to interact with professors and classmates?

• How do universities ensure the quality of learning in online degree programs?

• Are students provided with internships, career, or placement support?

Admission and Eligibility

Students often worry about the qualifying criteria to seek admission in these online degree courses. These mentioned lists of questions are what they ask frequently:

• Who can apply for online degree programs?

• Can a 12th pass student apply for online degrees?

• Is there any age limit required for online degree courses?

• How can I join an online degree course?

• What documents are needed for admission to online degrees?

Technology and Accessibility

Since online degree programmes are heavily reliant on technology, students seek clarity on the software and devices used in the programme. The following are the types of questions asked by them:

• What devices/software do I require to enrol in an online degree course?

• Is internet connectivity a big challenge in online degrees?

• Can I access the online classes on mobile?

• Do universities provide technical orientation for students?

• Is there 24/7 technical support provided?

Assessment and Evaluation

Exam and evaluation criteria are another area of concern for learners seeking admission. The questions within these categories include:

• How are exams conducted - online/offline?

• Are online examinations protected and safe?

• How are assignments, quizzes, and projects evaluated?

• Can I retake an exam if I fail?

• Is there any minimum attendance requirement for taking online degree exams?

Also Read: IIT Guwahati BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI: Everything You Should Know

Commonly Asked Questions With Answers About Online Degrees

When it comes to online degree courses, students have questions ranging from accreditation to validity of these degrees to the admission and assessment methods. This section of the article addresses these questions based on key categories:

Accreditation and University Reputation

One of the commonly asked questions about online degrees is about the accreditation and the reputation of these degrees. Online degrees are approved by UGC in India across several disciplines, thus they are equally credible and recognised as regular degrees. Students generally ask these questions:

Q: Are online degrees UGC accredited programmes?

Online degrees are University Grants Commission (UGC) accredited and approved. As per the latest UGC guidelines for the academic session 2025-26, there are more than 100 UGC-recognised higher educational institutions offering these degrees.

Q: How do I check if my university is UGC-recognised?

To check if your university is UGC-recognised, you need to visit the UGC-DEB website where you will find the list of recognised higher educational institutions (HEIs) offering online degrees.

Q: Does university ranking matter for online degrees?

While ranking depends on several factors, including the practical and academic support provided, the enrollment trends of a particular institution, higher-ranked universities offer more advanced academic support, along with access to quality learning resources and faculty in comparison to lower-ranked universities.

Q: Are online degrees from IIT/IIM more valued than others?

Online degree courses from IIT/IIM are more valued and carry greater prestige than others in the job market. As these institutions are known for their practical opportunities along with top-tier quality education, an online degree from IIT/IIM carries greater weight than other universities.

Q: Should I choose a reputed university with higher fees or a cheaper one with average reputation?

Students must focus on several key indicators while looking for an online degree course. They must choose based on their budget, career goals, and other preferences, along with evaluating the pros and cons of pursuing a particular course from a reputed or an average institution.

Validity and Recognition

Online degree programmes are valid and recognised in India and abroad as well, due to which these programmes are recognised and respected by employers across several key industries. Students within this category ask these questions:

Q: Is online degree valid in India and internationally?

Online degrees are valid both in Indian and international educational scenarios. These degrees are UGC and AICTE recognised, which makes them valid, accepted, reputable, and respected internationally as well.

Q: Are online degrees acceptable for government jobs?

Online degrees are acceptable for government jobs as they are awarded under the authority of University Grants Commission (UGC) which is a reputable body in India. Due to which, these degrees are acceptable for pursuing a career in any government sector.

Q: Do MNCs and private companies accept online degree programmes?

Many multinational and private companies accept online degree programmes especially from reputed institutions. While a degree is important, these MNCs and private organisations focus on the skills and the knowledge gained rather than the degree mode.

Q: Do employers accept online degree courses?

Employers do accept online degree courses as the present digital scenario lays more emphasis on the experience gained by students within these programmes, along with the practical experience for the job role.

Q: Are online degrees equally recognised as regular/distance degrees?

Online degrees are equally recognised as regular/distance degrees which means that students can apply to go for competitive examinations, UPSC, and professional certifications without even worrying about the credibility of these degrees.

Also Read: Online B.Com Admission 2025: Eligibility, Fees, Required Documents

Cost and Time

Cost and time is an important factor when it comes to researching the right degree and programmes. Commonly asked questions within this aspect include:

Q: How much do I have to pay if I enrol in an online degree course?

While tuition fees for an online degree course varies based on the university, programme level, and the specialisation offered, students are required to pay a course tuition fee between Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,00,000, depending on the institute.

Q: Are online degrees more affordable than regular degree courses?

Online degree courses eliminate relocation and other costs which makes it more affordable than regular degree courses. This makes them appealing to working professionals and students from tier 2 and tier 3 states.

Q: Are scholarships, EMI, and discount options available in online degrees?

Several universities in India, such as Amity Online, Manipal Online, and Jain Online provide students with scholarships, EMI, and discount options, helping them with financial support and access education more effectively.

Q: How long are the online degree programmes?

The duration of online degree programmes varies based on the programme level. While undergraduate degrees are three years in duration, postgraduate courses are two years long. However, universities also provide students the flexibility to complete their degree at a certain time frame, students must visit the official website for these details.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing online degrees?

Online degrees are designed for working professionals and students who are already engaged in any professional responsibility. Considering these degrees provide flexible learning, providing them the option to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Learning and Student Support

Learning and student support are vital aspects of online education. Students must know how the classes are delivered and what support is provided to them. The questions in this category are:

Q: How are classes conducted, live, recorded, or hybrid?

The class structure of online degree courses depends on the programme level, utilising a mix of live, recorded, and hybrid sessions. Universities in India utilise learning management systems to offer virtual classes to students.

Q: What student and learning support are provided in an online degree course?

Students are provided with learning support such as doubt clearing and mentorship sessions, access to course resources, and study materials, along with one-on-one faculty interaction.

Q: Do I get an opportunity to interact with professors and classmates?

Online degree programmes provide students with the opportunity to interact with professors and classmates, utilising LMS portals and peer groups along with discussion forums to help students form effective virtual interactions.

Q: How do universities ensure the quality of learning in online degree programs?

Through the guidelines provided by UGC, universities ensure advanced quality education is provided to learners. These institutions utilise Learning Management Systems to deliver online classes along with several programme benefits provided to students.

Q: Are students provided with internships, career, or placement support?

Universities in India including IIT/IIMs offer top-notch placement support to students, helping them secure promising employment opportunities at successful corporate firms in India and abroad.

Also Read: Online BCA Admission 2025: Eligibility, Fees, Required Documents

Admission and Eligibility

Students often worry about what the admission process is like, and what eligibility criteria they would have to meet. Common questions within this category include:

Q: Who can apply for online degree programs?

Eligibility criteria for online degree programmes varies based on the university and the programme level. For UG degrees, students require a 10+2 education, whereas, for PG degrees, they are required to have a bachelor’s degree to enrol.

Q: Can a 12th pass student apply for online degrees?

For undergraduate online degree programmes, students require a 10+2 education from a recognised board. Therefore, 12th pass students can apply for online degrees in India.

Q: Is there any age limit required for online degree courses?

While generally, there is no age limit to pursue online degrees in India. Universities must refer to the official website for details related to age criteria.

Q: How can I join an online degree course?

To join online degree courses, students are required to visit the official website, submit the online application form, pay the programme fee, and wait for 2-3 business days for official enrolment and selection.

Q: What documents are needed for admission to online degrees?

Document requirements for online degree courses vary from one university to another. However, common documents for admission to online degrees include;

• Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar Card/passport/Drivers License)

• 10th/12th/Bachelor’s degree marksheet

• Scanned soft copy or color copy of a recent passport-size photograph.

• Scanned signature copy.

• Category Certificate (for reserved categories)

• Migration Certificate/Transfer Certificate//Character Certificate

Technology and Accessibility

Technology requirements for online degrees are another one of the major concerns raised by students when enrolling in online degree courses. The questions in this category include:

Q: What devices/software do I require to enrol in an online degree course?

Students are required to have a working desktop with a stable internet connection and basic office software to successfully complete and attend classes in online degree courses.

Q: Is internet connectivity a big challenge in online degrees?

Internet connectivity is a big challenge in online degrees, however, students do not have to worry, as these degrees involve access to recorded lectures, so students can catch up later if live classes are missed.

Q: Can I access the online classes on mobile?

While access to online classes on mobile devices depends on the university, some institutions do provide mobile apps for learning on the go, along with access to course resources and other academic benefits.

Q: Do universities provide technical orientation for students?

Since online degrees are focused on digital learning, which involves the use of the internet and technology, universities in India do provide technical orientation for students to help them explain the platform and tools these institutions provide.

Q: Is there 24/7 technical support provided?

Universities in India do offer 24/7 technical support for students, to help them with their resolutions in real-time.

Assessment and Evaluation

While fairness and transparency are considered important in examinations for online degrees. The questions asked in this category include:

Q: How are exams conducted - online/offline?

The conduct of exams depends on the institution and university. Usually, examinations for online degree programmes are conducted online, while some universities offer offline centres.

Q: Are online examinations protected and safe?

Online examinations in online degree courses are protected and safe, utilising proctoring tools, ID checks, and plagiarism checks to ensure examinations are conducted safely and in a protected environment.

Q: How are assignments, quizzes, and projects evaluated?

Universities follow different evaluation methods for assignments, quizzes, and projects. Students must visit the official website to refer to information related to assignments and evaluations.

Q: Can I retake an exam if I fail?

While universities do provide repeat attempts or supplement examinations, students are required to refer to the official website for information related to retakes and supplement examinations.

Q: Is there any minimum attendance requirement for taking online degree exams?

Universities offering online degree courses require students to have 75% attendance criteria. Thus, students must attend live classes to meet the required set percentage of attendance to be able to sit for online examinations.

Asking the right questions before enrolling in an online degree course is essential. Students must choose the right programme and the institute which not only provides credible education but also programme benefits and practical opportunities.