Online education in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities soars by 32%

Smaller towns are witnessing a significant increase in demand for online education, driven by increased accessibility to electronic devices, and growing awareness of the availability of online full-time courses.

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As per a survey by College Vidya involving 20,000 participants across 13 cities, in 2023 online education witnessed a 32% surge in demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The demand for online education is projected to increase by another 20% in 2024.

This growth is driven by increased accessibility to electronic devices particularly smartphones enabling students in smaller cities to connect immaculately with education providers; and growing awareness of the availability of online full-time courses. Online MBAs, B.Com., M.Com., and work-integrated learning programs (WILP) like B.Tech. and M.Tech have been particularly successful in these cities.

According to the report, the adoption of online education by renowned universities has further increased the trust in their validity, which resulted in a 45% increase in enrollments over the previous year. 

The report noted that improved digital literacy and enhanced internet services have significantly contributed to the accessibility of online education, allowing students to pursue higher education without having to deal with the challenges of relocation. As an important factor, affordability makes it possible for students to break through financial constraints and pursue their preferred courses at reputable universities and work simultaneously.

Furthermore, online learning has emerged as an enabler for career growth, facilitating upskilling, career switches, and job escalation in smaller towns as well. In the previous year, over 32% of working professionals from smaller towns have enrolled in upskilling programmes to remain job-ready and navigate industry changes.

Likewise, women residing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have demonstrated a strong desire to pursue further education without quitting. The specially-abled individuals have also found a supportive and inclusive avenue for higher education through online platforms. According to the survey report, about 23% of women and 11% of specially-abled individuals have enrolled in online courses in the past year.