The need of Distance Education in India SMUDE Globalization, the information-age and consumer awareness have spelt a paradigm

shift in trends, lifestyle and education standards. The scenario witnesses a transition in thought, mindset and growing ambitions amongst the ever-growing populace. The change in turn spells Distance education as a prospective mode for higher education for the new-age populace. As per statistical studies, there are 16 million students into higher education at present, which is expected to grow to 40 million by 2020. Despite the 26000 and odd institutes for higher education (the highest number in the world), the lack of quality resources and poor accessibility fail to garner admissions. Vision 75s survey reveals that the majority (60%) of the Indian Population is young (the working age). Of this eligible category, only 12% account for GER creating a huge divide between the educated and the undereducated. Additionally, in the current scenario, the high cut-off percentage, and the expensive fee structure has become a hindrance to get entry into campus even for the meritorious candidates. Also, considering that the standard of living of the larger socio-economic section of the Indian society is below par, there is a greater need to get to start working from a young age. This further widens the socio-economic divide, with the undereducated mass continuing in the same substandard way of living. More so, the transition mobilized by globalization has spawned a multitude of businesses operating in each sector, with job opportunities for one and all. A pre-university pass-out, a post graduate or a graduate from any discipline are equally employable and continuing education, gives an edge for progress. But as mentioned, higher education may have to take a back seat for the sake of career, even among the elite or middle class. The reasons may be time or financial constraints and other commitments, which dont give room for campus studies. In such scenarios, distance program steps in, to help chart out a career-path and a parallel academic track, at ones own comfort level. Distance education paves way as the viable route for higher education to help tap the knowledge potential and gulf the socio-economic divide as well. The advantages of distance learning are many, which address the needs of the different sections of the society. Distance education works on a multi-dimensional premise. To elaborate,

working professionals can pursue studies while on job, and freshers can take up work, draw regular earnings and pursue studies at the same time. In such cases, a certification/ degree through distance learning adds value to ones profile, in the way of experience, expertise and the academic degree of course. And above all, distance education program is affordable. Additionally, with the foray of technology, into the education segment, distance learning is part of a live network of students, tutors, academic exponents, who converge on the online interface. Thus the erstwhile drawbacks of distance education, which compromised on quality, delivery, and student-commitment, are overcome through technology. The online information resource makes any distance learning university accessible for both students and working professional. In short, online distance learning deploys the best of resources pedagogue, faculty and references to deliver on an active online interface