Rising costs and limited access to higher education in India are forcing families into financial sacrifices beyond their means, highlighting major challenges in the system.

Education as a Catalyst

• Indian families, particularly those from lower-middle-class backgrounds, have historically placed a high value on education, viewing it as a pathway to socioeconomic mobility.
• This trend emerged after India gained independence, as families prioritised their children’s education despite limited resources, often sacrificing their financial security.
• Education has served not only as a means of skill development but also as a gateway into valuable networks and social circles, breaking traditional class barriers and enabling upward mobility. 
• These narratives resonate across generations, with parents routinely sacrificing to ensure their children have access to quality education, whether at elite institutions or foreign universities.

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State of School Education in India

• India has made significant strides in school education, achieving a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 100% in primary education across various states.
• Primary education is recognized as a public good with widespread multiplier benefits. However, challenges remain in retention rates, educational quality etc.

Current State of Higher Education in India

• While India’s GER in higher education has exceeded 28%, it is still low, and challenges in expanding access to college education remain. 
• In comparison, countries like South Korea, which had a GER of just 10 percent in the 1970s, have now achieved a rate of 100 percent.

Reasons for Low Enrollment in Higher Education

• Limited Quality Institutions: A shortage of quality institutions restricts access to higher education, leaving many students without viable options.
• Weak Education-Employability Link: Higher education, ideally a pathway to employment, often falls short in India, with many graduates lacking industry-relevant skills, adding financial strain on families seeking returns on their investment.
• Limited Seats and Financial Burden: Scarce seats in top institutions push students abroad, leading families into significant debt. 
  • Unlike countries like Germany with free education or the U.S. and Nordic nations with accessible loans and subsidies, India offers limited financial support options.

Way Forward

• Align Education with Market Needs: Develop curricula that focus on marketable skills and competencies to meet the demands of the job market.
• Enhance Vocational Training: Promote vocational and technical training programs that provide practical skills, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
• Increase Access to Short-term Courses: Offer short-term skill-based courses that cater to emerging industries, allowing individuals to upskill quickly and efficiently.
• Strengthen Industry Partnerships: Foster collaborations between educational institutions and industries to create internship and job placement opportunities for students.
• Improve Financial Support Systems: Establish more accessible financial aid, scholarships, and loan systems to reduce the financial burden on families seeking higher education.
• Enhance Quality of Education: Invest in improving the infrastructure and quality of education in existing institutions to ensure that students receive a meaningful education.
• Focus on Lifelong Learning: Encourage a culture of lifelong learning, where individuals can continuously update their skills in response to evolving job market demands.

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Conclusion

The rising costs of higher education in India present a formidable challenge to socioeconomic mobility. To safeguard the future, it is imperative to create a sustainable education system that prioritises equitable access, aligns with market needs, and empowers all individuals to achieve their aspirations.

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