Quick Overview: Working professionals can obtain their degrees without having to quit their jobs by joining an online or distance education course conducted by a UGC approved university with valid course approvals. It is recommended that one should not take any chances with spurious or backdated degrees.
There are people who have already been working and could not complete their education, but they can earn a proper qualification through an online degree or a recognized distance education program. For people in India, the best way is to go with a university that is recognized by the UGC and ensure the program is approved for the respective academic year.
Both the fake degree and the illegally backdated degree are not legitimate options. The use of forged credentials can result in dismissal from employment and cancellation of the appointment, as well as other possible consequences. It is better to secure your career by acquiring a legitimate degree without compromising your work.
Why Do Working Professionals Need to Complete Their Degree?
Many students have to work even when they are still in college due to financial difficulties, family commitments, personal reasons, or even better career prospects. They eventually come to realise that having a degree is crucial for the next step in their careers.
A legitimate degree can benefit working professionals as follows:
- Apply for job positions that demand a particular educational qualification.
- Make oneself eligible for particular promotions and management positions.
- Satisfy educational qualifications for pursuing advanced studies.
- Enhance their academic profile along with work experience.
- Make themselves more qualified for job positions that demand a degree.
However, having a degree does not ensure getting promoted to a particular position or earning a higher salary. The employer can even take into consideration other factors as well.
Are Fake and Backdated Degrees Valid in India?
No, a fake and backdated degree, granted by an unauthorized institution, or a forged educational document certifying educational accomplishments that the student never attained, is not considered an academically legitimate credential.
Another controversial issue concerns the backdated degree—when the document falsely indicates that the candidate acquired certain credentials before actually completing the course. In such a case, there is nothing wrong with it as long as the credential is authentic and backed up by university records and policies. The most important thing here is to establish whether the credential was achieved and what dates are associated with it. Possessing and using any fake educational document to get a job or an admission into a program can have some serious repercussions, such as:
- Rejection of a job application or cancellation of an appointment.
- Disciplinary action or termination of employment.
- Cancellation or rejection of a fraudulent qualification.
- Criminal proceedings under applicable laws relating to forgery, cheating, or the use of forged documents.
Can You Earn a Legitimate Degree Without Leaving Your Job?
Yes, Online and distance education programs can help eligible working professionals continue their education without attending a traditional college campus every day.
Under the applicable UGC regulations, eligible higher education institutions can offer approved online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs. Qualifications awarded through recognized programs can be treated as equivalent to corresponding conventional qualifications, subject to applicable regulations and program-specific requirements. Here are three legitimate options to consider.
1. Online Degree Programs
Online degrees provide the opportunity for students to learn using virtual educational sites. Depending on the institution, a student is provided with recorded lessons, real-time lessons, virtual study material, assignments, and online academic support. This mode of learning can be best suited to people working full-time or those traveling often.
2. Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
Distance learning is yet another means that allows students to get an education while they work. The students usually get study material and are supposed to adhere to the schedule laid down by the university for assignments and exams. There might be some courses that need examinations or practical work done physically.
3. Completing an Incomplete Degree
In case you have previously attended another college or university but were unable to complete your studies there for any reason, you should first get in touch with the school and find out whether it is possible to continue your education there or transfer credits to another university. Your chances to do so will depend on the policies of that particular university, the age of your credits, and other factors.
How to Choose a UGC-Recognised Online Degree?
The selection of the right university is very important. The reputation of a university alone is not sufficient; you need to check whether the particular program is an approved one or not.
The following are the points to consider before making any payments for the admission fee:
- University check: It is required to check whether the concerned university is authorized to award the particular degree.
- UGC DEB approval check: Visit the website of the UGC Distance Education Bureau at https://deb.ugc.ac.in and check the institution and programme for the academic year in which you want to study.
- Program eligibility check: Check the admission criteria, minimum eligibility, course duration, and examination procedure.
- Total cost check: Compare the tuition fee, examination fee, extra costs, and payment modes.
- Format of learning: Check the timings of the classes, recorded lectures, assignment submission dates, examinations, and student assistance.
Please note that previous recognition does not automatically mean future recognition of a particular academic session. Please check the latest official guidelines before making any enrollment. There are also specific professions that are not allowed to be offered in an online or distance learning mode as per the relevant regulations.
Why Are Online Degrees a Practical Choice for Working Professionals?
An online degree will assist you to balance your professional commitments and education without jeopardizing your existing source of income. The following are the advantages of an online degree:
- Flexible studies: Study within your schedule.
- Career development: Work while completing your degree program.
- Internet-based study: Access to online resources from wherever you want.
- Formal study: Fulfill all course assignments and examinations according to the university's academic policies.
- Future development: Create a basis of education for eligible careers or further education.
Flexible learning does not imply that the degree is attainable immediately. You have to attend or participate in classes where necessary, undertake assessments, pass all exams, and meet the university's academic policies.
How Can College Vidya Help You Explore Online Degrees?
College Vidya is an online platform that assists students as well as professionals in analyzing the opportunities available through distance learning. If you have any plans to complete your education without quitting your job, then it will help you analyze all the programs that are available and how these programs operate. Before finalizing your program, ensure the legal standing of the university and that the program is recognized or approved by the UGC for the particular session, admission process, cost involved, and exams to be conducted.
Conclusion
Missing out on a degree does not necessarily mean that you have lost your opportunity to finish your studies. Working professionals can consider various online degrees, approved distance learning programs, or options of returning to an unfinished program.
Fake and backdated degrees are not a secure path to go down. They might affect your professional reputation and even lead to severe consequences in the field of employment and law. It is better to select a legitimate program, check its recognition, and finish your education in the appropriate academic manner. It will be useful to take into account the experience you already have, but it will become an added value after you obtain a degree. You will not need to leave your job.
