Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 31: In a landmark move towards digital transformation in higher education, Goa University (GU) has announced that it will offer select online academic programmes starting from the academic year 2026–27. This follows the University’s recent achievement of an A+ grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.3, making it eligible under UGC norms to offer online courses.
The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and flexibility in education across Goa, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to achieve a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035.
Speaking about the development, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Harilal B. Menon said, “Following the implementation of NEP 2020, Goa University offers flexible academic pathways—ranging from one-year certificates and postgraduate diplomas to two-year diplomas, three-year degrees, and four-year honours programmes. We will now make these available in the online mode, beginning with disciplines such as humanities that do not have a practical component.”
The University plans to make classroom content accessible through live streaming and recorded sessions, providing greater convenience for students balancing studies with employment or personal commitments.
Officials said that GU’s entry into online education would particularly benefit students who face challenges attending in-person classes due to geographical or professional constraints. It is also expected to boost student enrolment across various courses.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, Goa’s GER in higher education stands at 35.8%, higher than the national average of 28.4%, but still below the NEP target. The introduction of online programmes is expected to help bridge this gap substantially.
Prof. Menon further revealed that GU is also preparing to launch advanced online programmes in artificial intelligence, data science, and emerging technologies, which will include short on-campus practical sessions for hands-on learning.
While Goa’s GER has increased by about 1% among the 18–24 age group over the past year, the University’s online education drive is seen as a crucial step toward expanding reach, inclusivity, and digital innovation in the state’s higher education ecosystem.