Performance evaluation of higher education system amid COVID-19: a threat or an opportunity?

Purpose COVID-19 is moving the world towards a significant number of structural changes, and this pandemic is influencing each individual, society and industry at large. The present empirical research intends to identify the constructs (latent variables) caused mainly due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and analyze their influence on the education system's performance. Design/methodology/approach A pilot study was carried out with 105 responses to gain deeper insights into the factor structure and validate the scale. Then, the exploratory factor analysis was applied to explore five factors. Later on, the confirmatory factor analysis was employed to check the model's unidimensionality, validity and reliability. Finally, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the factors influencing educational performance. Findings Four hypotheses were tested, out of which two were supported, i.e. “compatibility with online mode” and “new opportunities” were found to influence educational performance significantly. Practical implications This investigation aims to provide vital information to the ministry of human resource development and educationists/academicians to understand the influence of the higher education system's factors. Also, it offers some strategies and plans to improve the higher educational systems performance in similar situations. Originality/value The previous studies did not identify and analyze the factors that influence the educational system's performance; especially, amid COVID-19 using the exploratory, confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling approach.