India's online higher education sector is experiencing a transformative growth phase, with students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as the primary drivers of this expansion. According to Siddharth Banerjee, CEO of Univo Education, the digital learning landscape is evolving beyond its traditional metro-centric focus, embracing learners from smaller urban centers who are increasingly opting for online degrees and certifications.
The Rise of Bharat in Digital Education
Banerjee emphasized that India's education market is not monolithic but rather a collection of diverse regional markets with distinct needs. "India is not one market — it is many Indias. Learning models built only for metro audiences often don't work for Bharat," he noted. This recognition is reshaping how educational platforms design and deliver content to accommodate varied learner backgrounds and aspirations.
Mobile-First Learning Revolution
A crucial factor propelling this shift is India's mobile-first reality. Industry research reveals that 79% of students attend online classes using smartphones, while only 17% rely on laptops. This overwhelming preference for mobile devices has compelled educational platforms to completely redesign their content delivery systems for smaller screens, patchy internet connectivity, and different levels of digital literacy among learners.
Beyond Content: The Need for Assisted Learning
Banerjee highlighted that learners outside major metropolitan areas require more than just access to educational content. "Assisted onboarding, WhatsApp and IVR-based help, and local facilitators can make online education more usable for learners outside large cities," he explained. This comprehensive support system is becoming increasingly important to ensure successful learning outcomes across diverse geographical regions.
Regulatory Boost and Credibility Enhancement
The acceptance and credibility of online education have received significant momentum from regulatory developments. The University Grants Commission's approval of regulated online degree programs under the National Education Policy 2020 has been instrumental in shifting the sector from short-term courses to formal, university-led qualifications. This transition is enhancing the perceived value of online credentials among both students and employers.
Industry Partnerships for Employability
Employability remains at the core of online education's appeal. Univo Education has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders including TCS iON, HCLTech, KPMG, Medvarsity, and Paytm. These collaborations provide learners with valuable opportunities such as internships, capstone projects, and live industry sessions, ensuring they gain practical exposure alongside their academic credentials.
Future Growth Trajectory
Looking ahead, Banerjee connected the sector's expansion to India's ambitious educational goals. The country aims to increase its Gross Enrolment Ratio from the current 28% to 50% by 2035, a target that online education is well-positioned to support. He also referenced the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which seeks to strengthen India's entire education ecosystem through innovative approaches.
"As India's economy expands, education models must become more flexible, affordable and aligned with industry needs — especially for learners beyond metros," Banerjee concluded, underscoring the sector's critical role in India's educational and economic development.
