India, July 24 -- There was a time when mentioning an online degree invited a few raised eyebrows.

People weren't necessarily questioning a student's ability. They were questioning the degree itself. Was it recognised? Would employers accept it? Was it on par with a regular programme, or was it seen as a shortcut?

Those questions have become less common over the last few years, largely because India's higher education system has become much clearer about where online learning fits in. The University Grants Commission (UGC) now has a defined framework for universities that want to offer degree programmes online. For students, that has changed the conversation entirely.

The focus is no longer on whether online education is "real." It's o...