Distance Learning Market in India 2016-2020

Overview of the distance learning market in India

Market research analysts at Technavio have predicted that the distance learning market in India will grow steadily during the next four years and post a CAGR of almost 11% by 2020. This market research analysis identifies the emergence of different learning methods in distance education including synchronous and asynchronous distance learning as one of the primary factors that will have a positive impact on the growth of the distance learning courses market. Synchronous learning helps educational institutions to enhance student engagement through online chats and teleconferencing. Asynchronous distance learning offers self-paced learning programs and assists student interaction through online bulletins, discussion boards, forums, and chats. It induces flexible learning where students have access to a number of e-books and online course networks. Such benefits will increase student enrollment towards distance learning programs. Moreover, the increased focus of educational institutions to digitize learning programs and the introduction of blended learning that allows students to learn and complete assignments at their own pace and meet at classrooms or online chat rooms will propel the market’s growth prospects in the near future.

One of the major trends that will gain traction in the correspondence education market is the increased adoption of small private online course (SPOC) model. The SPOC model offers programs that involve learning in small and focused groups. It induces active interaction and collaboration among students and also provides continuous feedback on their performance. Analysts predict that this model will be mainly adopted by private institutions during the forecast period, which will compel public universities in urban regions to adopt the SPOC learning model, which will, in turn, lead to the replacement of the massive open online course (MOOC) learning model.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

Owing to innovations in distance learning programs for both students and working professionals, the distance learning market in India will post an exponential growth in the coming years. Though the majority of higher education institutions offering distance courses mainly cater to the undergraduate population, a rise in the number of institutions offering online courses and degree programs, will attract more enrollments from the postgraduate student category. The market’s growth potential will attract more vendors providing third-party back-end support to higher education institutions on a revenue sharing basis. This will intensify the market’s competitive environment. To gain a competitive edge over their competitors, established distance learning course providers have started introducing innovative products in the market and also have the need to distinguish their products and services through a clear and unique value proposition.

The leading vendors in the market are -

• EduKart
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• SchoolGuru
• Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)

The other prominent vendors in the market are Avagmah, DLP India, Edureka, EMERITUS Institute of Management, Hughes Global Education, Sikkim Manipal University, TalentEdge, University18, University of Delhi, and UpGrad.

Segmentation by product type and analysis of the distance learning market in India

• Traditional distance learning
• Online/blended distance learning
• Certifications and part-time courses

According to this market research and analysis, the traditional distance learning segment accounted for the major market shares and dominated the industry during 2015. The market comprises of universities that use traditional methods of delivering education, such as printed material, and conclude courses by conducting offline examinations at various centers across the country. Accreditation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the low-cost structure of distance education courses, attracts several students especially from the rural areas to enroll at these institutions. Though online/blended learning programs will pose a stiff competition, this segment will continue to dominate the market throughout the next four years as well.

Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the distance learning market in India?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the distance learning market in India?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the distance learning market in India?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the distance learning market in India?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of India.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the distance learning market in India?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

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