Assessing The Digital Literacy Skills of Postgraduate Students: A Case Study of Bra Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Abstract

This study aims to assess the digital literacy skills of postgraduate students at B.R.A. Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, in response to the growing importance of digital competencies in academic and professional contexts.  Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed to assess key dimensions of digital literacy. A total of 120 questionnaire distributed to a sample of postgraduate students across various disciplines, out of which 107 responded. Once the data were collected, statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and MS-Excel. The results presented in suitable tabular forms and charts, facilitating fair and comprehensive conclusions drawn from this study. The study found that smartphones are the primary device used for academic activities by 58.44% of respondents, while only 26.44% use computers or laptops regularly. This shift towards mobile learning may impact the depth of engagement with academic content. A significant contradiction exists between respondents' high search engine proficiency (95.21%) and their low ability to critically evaluate online sources (36.26%). Moreover, while many (45.26%) feel confident in their digital skills, a significant minority (8.25%) lacks confidence. This research contributes to the existing literature on digital literacy by providing specific insights into the context of B.R.A. Bihar University, a region that has received limited attention in this field.