In collaboration with IIEP-UNESCO, the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) carried out an in-depth case study of policies and practices that support flexible learning pathways (FLPs) in India. A research team conducted interviews and focus group discussions with 42 respondents in late 2019 representing two national-level contrasting higher education institutions: IIT-Delhi, an elite technical institution, and Bharathiar University, a premier state university. The interviews were complemented by a review of relevant national projects, legislative documents, and national statistical databases.
Impact / Outcome
For example, open and distance learning (ODL) programmes is one of the country’s main instruments to increase access and facilitate equity and flexibility in higher education. Enrolment has increased including among disadvantaged groups. Currently, there are more than 15 open universities, as well as other HEIs and central and state universities that can offer distance education programmes, overseen by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). Higher education in ODL programmes accounts for more than 11% of all higher education enrollment, mainly in undergraduate programmes. In 2019, some 2 million students were enrolled in ODL undergraduate programmes and 1 million in postgraduate programmes.
Funding sources
Public
Key Metrics
Supports flexible learning pathways (FLPs) in higher education for a variety of students
Operating model
Fully publicYear published
01 January 2021 