India to launch its first Digital University this year

In the academic session 2023-24, the country will witness two big developments with the launch of its first digital university and the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).

As per the Ministry of Education, students can get 50% of the required credits from one university and the rest from a higher education institution (HEI) of their choice to earn a degree from any top university across India. Moreover, in another option, students can earn credits from different partner HEIs and get a degree from the National Digital University (NDU).

The setting up of the digital university is seen as an important step towards improving employability through programmes in emerging areas and attaining 50% gross enrollment ratio in higher education by 2030, as envisaged in the National Education Policy 2020.

The said university will start its operations this year by offering diploma, certificate, and degree courses respectively. Reports also state that digital content would be hosted on the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) platform. The step is aimed at building virtual campuses to provide democratic delivery of educational services.