Abstract

Background: Digital Competence (DC) has emerged as an essential skill for students in the contemporary technology-driven educational setting. DC encompasses skills, knowledge, and behaviours that are essential for engagement with various digital technologies. Objective: This study aims to assess Digital Competence among Undergraduate (UG) students with respect to gender, locality and stream. Method: The researchers have adapted descriptive-cum-survey method with a view to knowing the current practices relating to DC among UG students. The sample comprised 410 UG students enrolled in general degree colleges in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. A convenience sampling technique was employed to collect the data. The Digital Competence tool was re-standardised and adapted by the investigators using appropriate psychometric techniques. The collected data were analysed using suitable descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results: The study reveals that 49.5% of students possess a moderate level of DC. There were significant differences in DC among UG students due to variation in gender and stream. However, no significant difference was found based on locality. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and institutional support to strengthen DC among UG students and reduce disparities across different learner groups. The findings have important implications for educational policy, curriculum development, and digital literacy initiatives in higher education.