Distance Learning: Bridging Gaps in Education

The population of India is nearing 1.5 billion and demand of more schools & colleges is increasing day by day. Currently, India spends of about 3% to 4% of GDP on education sector, which is very low as compared to several developing and developed states. Although government is aiming to raise this expenditure to up to 6%, but it still seems a far dream. Seats in educational institutes are far less than required.

Thankfully, with the introduction of distance education, lacs of students who are not able to get admissions in regular colleges and schools & students living in the remote areas are now able to pursue their studies. In recent years, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and National Institute of Open Learning (NIOS) has played a major role in providing distance education to millions of students across the length and breadth of the country.

Distance education has provided opportunities for weaker section of the society, women and SC/ST candidates to complete their basic education as well as to pursue their higher studies.