Stiff competition in the job market is now forcing students to start their career as early as possible, relegating full time higher education to the background. Today valuable work experience certainly scores over the years spent on higher education.   
    
But the zest to begin a career early is in no way stronger than the spirit for gaining more knowledge Therefore for the degree conscious students, there is a smooth way out - to pursue a distant learning programme. This serves a dual purpose, that of getting quality higher education along with precious work experience to enrich their C.V’s.   

And with so much on offer, Students have hardly anything to miss. Various universities offer wide ranging courses, from a simple masters in political science to a diploma in seed technology.  

A major factor which attracts students to these distance learning courses is the flexibility of choosing a combination of courses, the cost effectiveness and the relaxed entry regulations. Self instructional written is given to the students. For some of the courses, the learning package also consists of Audio - visual material aids for enhancement of understanding. One can pursue both  short term and long term programmes leading to certificates, diplomas, post graduate diplomas or degrees.   

Gone are the days, when distance learning programmes were pursued only by the not - so - intelligent students who did not get admission elsewhere. Now correspondence courses have many takers, mostly ambitious students , who want to work while they study.   

Distance learning is fast emerging as a hot favourite amongst youngsters ,who want to earn while they learn.