NEW DELHI: The Times Higher Education (THE) announced its first-ever Online Learning Rankings (OLR) 2024 today. This inaugural ranking evaluates higher-education institutions providing quality online education, categorising them into three tiers: gold, silver, and bronze. The OLR 2024 aims to measure the quality of online-learning globally, a domain of education that gained unprecedented importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the standout performers, India proudly sees two universities – Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies and O.P. Jindal Global University, earning the coveted ‘gold’ status, making itself part of a coveted list of eleven global universities.
A Global Snapshot: India’s Place in the Gold Category
The gold category features a diverse group of 11 universities, including three from the United States, two from the United Kingdom, and one each from Russia, Hungary, New Zealand, and Australia. India’s Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies and O.P. Jindal Global University are the two Indian representatives, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in online education.
In addition to the gold category, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences from India earned a place in the silver category, while four others—Amity University (Noida), KL University, Lovely Professional University (LPU), and Manipal University (Jaipur)—secured spots in the bronze category. Two more institutions, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth and GLA University, were listed in the “reporter” category for submitting data but not meeting the full entry criteria.
How the THE Online Learning Rankings 2024 were evaluated
THE’s Online Learning Rankings rely on a robust methodology with 17 metrics grouped into four pillars:
Resources: Measuring the staff and infrastructure dedicated to online learning.
Engagement: Evaluating student satisfaction and the quality of engagement through survey responses.
Outcomes: Focusing on student progression and their willingness to recommend the courses.
Environment: Tracking inclusion, diversity, and institutional support for online learners.
This framework highlights the varied priorities of online education providers, from traditional universities integrating online programs to fully digital institutions. Notably, universities were assessed based on their online courses, defined as programs where at least 40% of the content is delivered online.
Consistency and Excellence: Manav Rachna and O.P. Jindal
Among the gold-awarded institutions, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies stood out as the most consistent performer, achieving scores above 60 in all four pillars. This balance underscores its comprehensive approach to delivering quality online education.
On the other hand, O.P. Jindal Global University excelled in the outcomes pillar, securing the best global score. This reflects the institution’s ability to ensure student success and high levels of satisfaction.
The Broader Context of Online Education
Online learning, initially a complementary tool, became essential during the pandemic, providing continuity in education across countries. Beyond the pandemic, it has proven vital for learners in conflict zones, education deserts, and professionals seeking flexibility. Yet, as THE noted, there is no universally accepted standard for measuring online education quality, making these rankings a pioneering effort to address this gap.
The OLR reflects the growing diversity of online education providers. From traditional universities adapting to hybrid models to institutions solely focused on digital education, the rankings reveal stark contrasts in strategies and outcomes.
Why the THE Online Rankings Herald a Promising Start
The Online Learning Rankings 2024 mark a significant step in standardising the acceptance and evaluation of online education. For Indian universities, this recognition on the global stage highlights their ability to compete with international counterparts in this emerging domain, offering quality education in a digital format.
