Prioritizing E-Learning Alternatives for University Students Through an Integrated AHP-TOPSIS Framework

Suman Roy; Saikat Maji; Shruti  Mishra; Abhishek Kumar

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.624RN05

Authors

Suman Roy Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8123-4675
Saikat Maji Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2954-0428
Shruti Mishra Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Abhishek Kumar Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.624RN05

Keywords:

AHP, e-learning alternatives, evaluation criteria, TOPSIS, University students

Abstract

The growing reliance on e-learning in education and training has produced multiple instructional alternatives. This study aimed to prioritise five such e-learning alternatives, i.e., Blended Learning, Mobile Learning, Online Distance Learning, Flipped Learning, and Asynchronous Learning for university students using an integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) framework. Data were collected from 132 undergraduate and postgraduate students across five constituent institutes of Banaras Hindu University, who rated each alternative on accessibility, cost, interactivity, ICT availability, and academic quality during 2024-25. AHP was used to derive criteria weights (based on experts' judgments), while TOPSIS ranked the alternatives using these weights from the actual users' (i.e., students) perspectives. Results showed that ICT availability (0.290) and academic quality (0.263) were the most influential criteria. Blended Learning ranked highest for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, while second-ranked preferences diverged, with undergraduates favouring Mobile Learning and postgraduates favouring Flipped Learning. These findings indicate that robust ICT infrastructure and academic quality are foundational to effective e-learning. The blended approaches, tailored with level-appropriate secondary delivery modes, offer the most learner-responsive strategy for institutions designing digital learning environments.

Author Biographies

Suman Roy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

PhD. Research Scholar, Department of Extension Education, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005
Saikat Maji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Former Scientist at Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat, Assam (785700)

Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, I.Ag.Sc., BHU, Varanasi (221005)
Shruti Mishra, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Extension Education, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221005
Abhishek Kumar, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

PhD. Research Scholar, Department of Extension Education, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005

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