Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline the critical success factors for crafting a strategic architecture for e-learning at HP University. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive survey type of research design was used. An empirical study was conducted on students enrolled with the International Centre for Distance and Open Learning who were attending personal contact programs (PCPs) in professional courses so as to elicit the importance of e-learning in distance education programs. Findings: From the research questions for implementing e-learning it was found that the current practices of instruction are satisfactory, the centers where PCPs are not sufficiently equipped for the training of learners and resource persons at PCPs do not have interest in the ICT program although the learners are ICT savvy, but there is no regular electricity supply, sufficient facilities and consumables for the usage. Research limitations/implications: Although an empirical study was conducted, the respondents, the students, sometimes disclose the information and do not reply to the questions in good faith. Practical implications: The article addresses the critical success factors in crafting a strategic architecture for e-learning at HP University so as to implement e-learning for the benefit of the staff and the students. Originality/value: The article addresses the critical success factors for implementing e-learning in a traditional university environment. (Contains 7 tables and 2 figures.)