Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Nurture all universities for Indian higher education to get Globally Competitive” Which was published in the Live Mint. The Indian higher education system is facing the challenge of delivering quality education that can compete on a global scale, as it currently lacks representation among the top 100 institutions worldwide. 

Indian Higher Education To Get Globally Competitive 

• Indian Higher Education: It starts after high school (10+2) and encompasses a diverse landscape of universities, colleges, and institutions that offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. 
• Diversity of Institutions: India has a vast and diverse higher education system, ranging from institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to state and private universities, colleges, and specialized institutions.
• University System: The university system in India includes central universities, state universities, deemed universities, and private universities.
• Entrance Examinations: Admissions to prestigious institutions often involve entrance examinations. 
• Technical and Professional Education: Institutions like the IITs, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and National Law Schools are renowned for their quality education in engineering, management, and law.

Read more about Nurture Indian Higher Education To Get Globally Competitive here.

What factors have contributed to the evolution of Indian higher education institutions?

• Changing Student Expectations as they are seeking high-quality education, access to esteemed faculty, cutting-edge facilities, etc., that equip them for a highly competitive global job market. 
• Renewed Emphasis on Research and Innovation: The establishment of research funding bodies and the promotion of startups and incubators in academic institutions have led to a surge in research output and innovation.
• To Achieve International Recognition institutions are making strategic investments.
  • Both IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi secured positions within the global top 200 in the 2024 QS Rankings. 
  • Further, private institutions such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Shoolini University, etc. have successfully secured positions in the top 1,000 globally.

Also Read: QS World University Rankings 2024

What measures has the government taken to improve the quality of Indian higher education?

• Establishment of Institutions of Eminence (IOEs) 
• UGC Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF)  
• Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)  
• Revitalizing of Infrastructure & Systems in  Education (RISE) 
• Global Initiatives Academic Network (GIAN)
• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)  

What are the challenges in Indian higher education?

• Lack of Comprehensive Education that enables students to develop new and advanced skills. 
• High Teacher vacancies: As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), out of 16,699 post for professors in central universities, around 35% are vacant. 
• Operational Disconnect among Different Regulators resulting in overlapping functions. 
• Other Challenges:
• • Shortage of Resources
  • Technological Gaps
  • Privatization and Rising Cost of Education 

Way Forward:

• Accreditation Framework must be conducted to maintain the high quality of institutions. 
• Improve Learning Outcomes to address the challenge of brain drain. 
• Prioritizing Open, Distance, and Online Education to impart knowledge and skills.
• Foster Strong Industry Integration by establishing collaborative partnerships, facilitating internships, and promoting industry-academia interactions.
• Foster Global Collaboration by engaging in student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research projects, and initiatives for knowledge-sharing.
• Continuous Development for Faculty to shorten the recruitment process of faculties and it also enhances teaching methodologies and pedagogical skills. 

Conclusion

By implementing appropriate policy changes, involving government initiatives, industry interventions, and active participation from the academic community in India, institutions have the potential to rise to the levels of top global universities and colleges. 

Further Reading: 

• Indian Education System
• Technology Interventions in Education
• Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on New Education Policy.

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