A bibliometric analysis of online education research in India (2014–2024): trends, patterns, and future directions

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of online education research in India from 2014 to 2024, examining trends, patterns, and future directions in the context of rapid technological advancements and the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing data from the Scopus database, the analysis covers 831 publications, revealing a significant annual growth rate of 16.71% in research output. The study identifies three distinct phases of research evolution: pre-pandemic stability, pandemic-driven surge, and post-pandemic consolidation. Key findings highlight the dominance of themes such as e-learning, online education, and COVID-19, with a strong emphasis on student engagement and digital transformation. The University of Delhi, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) emerge as leading contributors, while Mizoram University and Jawaharlal Nehru University achieve high citation impacts despite fewer publications. International collaborations, particularly with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have significantly influenced the field, though opportunities for multilateral partnerships remain. The study underscores the importance of targeting high-impact journals and addressing underexplored areas such as rural education, digital divide interventions, and faculty professional development. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers to enhance the quality and inclusivity of online education in India.