India

Abstract

This chapter analyses the status and prospects of distance education (DE) in India. The analysis focuses on the developments so far, the direction for online and blended learning, and what careful changes are required for DE in Indian higher education and government policies. We also consider if currently unfolding scenarios will be sustainable. Correspondence education at the undergraduate level was initiated in 1962 at the University of Delhi on an experimental basis. The comprehensive Kothari Education Commission of 1964–66 strongly recommended part-time and own-time (or self-study) education through programs such as evening colleges and correspondence courses respectively. With pressure from international developments in lifelong learning and internal pressure and efforts by educational leaders, the first (provincial) open university was established in India in 1982. Since then, the DE system expanded fast to reach an enrolment of above 5.2 million (15% of total higher education intake), and with a teaching-learning system facilitated by a fully dedicated education satellite.