This study examines the foremost antecedents of students' satisfaction with online learning in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in northern India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through an online Google form from 2,658 (2,597 considered usable) enrolled students in HEIs in northern India using the purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS. Results revealed that learning environment, barricades, and advantages to learner are positively and significantly correlated with students' satisfaction, whereas challenges had a negative and insignificant correlation with students' satisfaction. Most notably, the significant impact of the learning environment on students' satisfaction is major, followed by barricades, advantages to learners, and challenges. This study will contribute to future research for measuring the student's perception of the adoption of online learning in diverse educational institutions