Abstract
The study titled “Role of Distance Education in Promoting Higher Education in Meghalaya” examines how distance education expands access to higher education, particularly for students in rural and remote areas. It aims to assess the status, effectiveness, challenges, and students’ perceptions of distance education in the state. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design, involving 100 respondents from NEHU and NIT Meghalaya, selected through purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that distance education provides flexible learning opportunities and supports academic development and skill enhancement. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited teacher-student interaction remain. The study recommends strengthening digital facilities and institutional support to improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of distance education in Meghalaya.