O.P. Jindal Global University Tops Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings
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Sonipat, Dec 13 (NationPress) India’s O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has been recognized as the top university globally in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024, earning a prestigious “Gold” designation. JGU achieved the highest overall score among all participating institutions, excelling in four critical areas: resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment. This ranking reflects the teaching excellence of JGU’s online programs and the university’s dedication to delivering superior higher education.
The THE Online Learning Rankings is a pioneering initiative aimed at assessing online learning on a global scale, based on four fundamental pillars: resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment. In contrast to other THE rankings that utilize rank positions and scores, the THE Online Learning Rankings categorize institutions into Gold, Silver, and Bronze groups.
Key metrics for evaluating resources dedicated to online learning include financial support per student, faculty support per student, and development hours per staff member. To gauge student engagement in online learning, metrics such as interaction with faculty, collaboration with peers, ease of use, accessibility for disabled learners, and the number of available programs are considered. Student outcomes in online learning are assessed through progression rates and recommendations. Additionally, metrics such as inclusion of students with disabilities, demographic diversity, gender diversity among staff, support staff per student, connectivity support, and offline resources are evaluated to ensure an optimal learning environment.
With an overall score of 287.7, JGU emerged as the top performer among 120 universities that participated in this inaugural ranking. JGU outperformed other notable institutions, including Arizona State University (Tempe, USA), University of Essex, University of Liverpool, and University of South Australia. Only one other Indian university has achieved a Gold status.
Commenting on this significant achievement, Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, stated, “Over the past 15 years, JGU has transformed into a globally recognized, multidisciplinary university that sets benchmarks in higher education both in India and internationally. This prestigious recognition as the No.1 global online education provider underscores our commitment to excellence in institutional development for the benefit of India.”
“From its inception, JGU aimed to provide world-class education and empower learners from across the globe. This accolade reflects our success in meeting the aspirations of individuals of all ages globally by offering the highest quality online education. I am confident this extraordinary achievement will inspire us to continue pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and upholding the values of learning that define JGU,” Jindal continued.
Reflecting on the ranking's results, Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, stated, “Time is crucial for online learners, making it essential for them to enroll in top programs that meet their personal and professional objectives. The THE Online Learning Rankings categorize online programs globally into Gold, Silver, and Bronze, addressing a vital need for learners in selecting programs that have demonstrated excellence. Notably, for the first time in history, an Indian university has achieved a Number 1 ranking globally. This is a monumental milestone for our institution and a historic recognition for India as we enter the global benchmarks for university rankings.”
“JGU’s accomplishment in the THE Online Learning Rankings is remarkable, particularly given that JGU is only 15 years old and has been offering online education for just the past four years. Since the launch of our online degree programs in 2020, we have cultivated a community of over 5,000 students engaged in online and blended learning across various disciplines,” he added.
Discussing the elements that propelled JGU to the forefront of online learning excellence, Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Academic Governance, remarked, “JGU's ability to excel in delivering online programs to a highly diverse global learner cohort is attributed to our world-class faculty, top-tier infrastructure, and collaborations with leading global institutions. It's noteworthy that JGU has swiftly evolved into a multidisciplinary university with a global reach within just 15 years.”
“Currently, JGU leads in the domain of digital learning, providing an extensive array of online degree programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of global learners. Our commitment to academic excellence, coupled with strategic partnerships with global leaders in online education such as Coursera and upGrad, ensures our students receive a world-class educational experience,” Professor Ramanujam explained.
Some of JGU’s esteemed online degree programs include M.A. in International Relations, M.A. in Public Policy, and Master of Design in User Experience. By 2025, JGU plans to introduce four new online degree programs: M.A. in International Accounting and Finance, BBA, M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and M.A. in India Studies. Furthermore, JGU Online offers two specializations and 16 MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) via Coursera. These certification courses encompass a broad spectrum of subjects and are designed to meet diverse learning requirements and career goals, providing targeted knowledge and skills in specialized areas.
