Nav Shakti, Nav Disha: 9 days, 9 decisions for choosing an online degree

Navratri lasts nine days, and each day is associated with one form of Durga and one quality: a firm foundation, discipline, courage, and so on. From 11 to 19 October 2026, Educollege is pairing each of those qualities with one real decision people face when they choose an online degree.

The series is called Nav Shakti, Nav Disha. A new post goes up every morning on Instagram and LinkedIn under #NavShaktiNavDisha. This page lists all nine, so you can read ahead or catch up on a day you missed.

Why we built it around Navratri

Most people pick an online degree under pressure: an admission deadline, a phone call from a counsellor, a relative’s advice. The questions that matter often get asked after the fee is paid, if at all. Which course fits? How many hours a week will it take? Is the programme approved? What will it cost in total?

Navratri gave us a simple structure. Nine days, nine questions, one per day, each short enough to read in a minute. Each post ends with a way to talk to a counsellor.

The nine days

Day 1, Sunday 11 October: Shailaputri and the right course

Shailaputri is remembered for a firm foundation, so we start with the course. As a general rule, a Class 12 pass can look at a BBA or BCA (3 years), a graduate in any stream at an MBA (2 years), and a graduate with an IT or maths background at an MCA (2 years). Eligibility varies by university, so check it for the programme you shortlist.

Day 2, Monday 12 October: Brahmacharini and your weekly plan

Brahmacharini stands for discipline and commitment to learning. The post shows a sample week for people who work: one hour each weekday evening, two hours on Saturday and one hour of revision on Sunday. That adds up to eight hours. The hours needed vary by programme, so ask the university for its weekly workload.

Day 3, Tuesday 13 October: Chandraghanta and the hard questions

Chandraghanta is associated with courage. Here the courage is practical: asking before you enrol. The post answers four common myths. One is that online degrees are not valid. They are valid when the university and programme are UGC-approved. Another is that there are no exams. There are, and the mode and centres differ by university.

Day 4, Wednesday 14 October: Kushmanda and building a skill

Kushmanda is the creator. The post uses the MCA as its example. Typical subjects include programming and data structures, databases and web development, and cloud and AI basics. Roles graduates commonly apply for include software developer, web developer, data analyst and systems analyst. Syllabus differs between universities, so compare the subjects, not just the course titles.

Day 5, Thursday 15 October: Skandamata and your family’s questions

Skandamata represents a mother’s care, and for many students the decision belongs to the whole family. The post covers the four questions parents ask most: is the degree valid, what is the total fee, will there be travel for exams, and can fees be paid in instalments. It is meant to be forwarded.

Day 6, Friday 16 October: Katyayani and the obstacles

Katyayani is the warrior form, remembered for overcoming what stands in the way. People delay a degree for four main reasons: no time, no money, a job, or a study gap. The post gives one answer to each. For time, plan a fixed eight hours a week. For a study gap, check the university’s eligibility rule, which usually looks at your qualification.

Day 7, Saturday 17 October: Kalaratri and checking before you pay

Kalaratri is the form that removes fear and darkness. In admissions, the darkness is usually missing information. This post is a five-point checklist, reproduced below.

Day 8, Sunday 18 October (Durga Ashtami): Mahagauri and a clear comparison

Mahagauri is associated with calm and clarity. The post is a blank grid for comparing two or three universities on total fee, syllabus, exam mode, learning support and approvals. Screenshot it and fill it in.

Day 9, Monday 19 October (Maha Navami): Siddhidatri and the decision

Siddhidatri stands for accomplishment. The final post recaps the eight steps before it. One step is left, and it is yours. Admissions are open for January 2027.

The five-point checklist to save

If you read only one post, make it Day 7. Before you pay any university, or anyone advising you, check that:

1. The university is UGC-approved for online learning this year.
2. Your exact programme is covered by that approval.
3. The total fee is in writing, including all extra charges.
4. Exam mode and refund rules are written down.
5. Payment goes to the university’s official account, not to an individual.

These checks apply to counsellors too, including ours. If someone resists giving you proof, that tells you something.

How to follow along

Posts go live every morning at the same time on Instagram and LinkedIn. Comment on any post with your question and we will reply the same day. For personal guidance on course, fees or eligibility, talk to a counsellor through educollege.in.

Frequently asked questions

Is an online degree valid?
It is valid when the university and the programme are UGC-approved. Ask to see the approval before you enrol.

Can I study while working?
Online programmes are designed for people who work. Most people do better with fixed weekly hours, such as the eight-hour plan in the Day 2 post.

Can I pay fees in instalments?
Many universities allow semester-wise payment, and EMI is worth asking about.