English Language Courses in HEIs aim to enhance the communication competence of students with the promotion of four basic language skills. Due to the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19, the English Language classroom has witnessed rapid paradigm shift with the advancement of technology. A study is essential to find the predictors of success in online learning analysing the challenges faced by EFL learners. This study focuses on students’ perceptions on the efficacy of synchronous online English classes despites the impact of its barriers. It involved 319 undergraduate students of V.V. Vanniaperumal College for Women, Tamilnadu, India. Results of the study indicated that low-speed internet connectivity and lack of interaction with peers are major challenges for language acquisition, however majority of the participants have positive reaction. Computer-assisted teaching pedagogy focussing on team work, grammar exercises, practical sessions, vocabulary games enabled them to overcome the challenges and enhance language skills.