Answer

India’s higher education system, with over 4.33 crore enrolments (AISHE 2021-22), has witnessed significant growth, yet quality challenges persist. Despite initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aimed at multidisciplinary learning and skill development, STEM graduate quality remains concerning. With a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 28.4%, India faces issues related to outdated curricula, skill gaps, and insufficient faculty training. Bridging these quality gaps is essential for India’s global competitiveness and meeting the demands of a modern workforce.

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Reasons for Concerns in Quality of STEM Graduates

• Outdated Curriculum: Despite technological advancements, many STEM programs follow outdated syllabi that are disconnected from industry standards.
  For example: Engineering curricula often lack current areas like artificial intelligence and data science, which limits graduates’ employability in high-demand sectors.
• Skill Gap in Practical Knowledge: A lack of hands-on training results in graduates unprepared for industry challenges, despite theoretical knowledge.
  For example: While 11.8% of undergraduate enrolment is in engineering and technology, many graduates lack skills in coding and automation, vital for today’s engineering roles.
• Limited Faculty Training: Many faculty members do not receive regular upskilling, creating a disconnect between academic teaching and industry needs.
  For example: The All India Survey of Higher Education indicates a high vacancy rate in teaching positions, which affects the quality and relevance of education delivered.
• Insufficient Research Exposure: Limited research opportunities restrict students’ ability to engage in critical thinking and innovation.
  For example: Only 5% of undergraduates attend premier research-focused institutions like IITs and IISc, where exposure to research is greater.
• Unequal Access to Resources: Government universities make up 58.6% of all universities but cater to 73.7% of students, reflecting a disparity in infrastructure and resource availability.
  For example: Institutions often cannot afford advanced laboratories or simulation software crucial for STEM education, affecting student readiness for tech roles.
• Weak Industry Collaboration: Limited partnerships between universities and industries restrict real-world insights for students.
  For example: As per India Skills Report 2024, there is a 60-73% demand-supply gap for roles such as data scientists and ML engineers, highlighting the disconnect between academic training and industry needs.

Challenges in Higher Education in India

• Inequitable Access and Low GER: With a GER of 28.4%, access to higher education is limited, especially in rural and marginalised communities, below the global average of 36.7%.
• Politicisation and Lack of Autonomy: Political interference often affects administrative autonomy, including in faculty recruitment and curriculum design.
• Funding Constraints: Reduced budgets impact research quality and infrastructure upgrades.
  For example: The UGC’s allocation was slashed by 61% in the 2024-25 Interim Budget, limiting support for higher education initiatives.
• Faculty Shortages and Brain Drain: Over 30% of teaching posts are vacant in central universities, and talent often migrates due to better global opportunities.
  For instance: Many top graduates prefer roles abroad or in private sectors due to limited research funding and lower salaries in India.
• Inadequate Industry-Academia Collaboration: A lack of effective collaboration leads to a skill gap among graduates.
  For instance: Companies report difficulty finding skilled graduates for emerging fields, despite large numbers of engineering enrolments each year.
• Uneven Regional Development: States like Delhi and Maharashtra host most reputed institutions, while Northeastern states lag in quality and access.
  For example: Fewer research-focused institutions in central regions limit local students’ access to quality higher education.
• Rote Learning Focus: The emphasis on rote memorization hampers creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
  For example: NEP 2020 highlights the need to move away from rote learning, yet practical, hands-on courses remain limited.

Comprehensive Reforms Needed to Bridge Teaching and Research Institutions

• Enhanced Industry Collaboration: Encourage internships and joint training programs with industries to bridge practical skill gaps.
  For example: The National Credit Framework allows skill-based training, integrating industry-relevant skills with academic programs.
• Research-Oriented Curriculum: Incorporate research methods and project-based learning to foster analytical skills.
  For example: The INSPIRE program motivates students towards basic sciences and research, improving their problem-solving abilities.
• Faculty Development Initiatives: Regular training for faculty on modern tools and teaching methodologies is crucial.
  For example: Programs by AICTE provide faculty with updated skills necessary for teaching advanced technology subjects effectively.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative infrastructure development can bridge resource gaps, especially in rural institutions.
  For example: Partnerships with corporations can enhance resources like labs and digital libraries for underfunded universities.
• Integrated Skill-Building Courses: Implement soft skill courses alongside technical training to produce well-rounded graduates.
  For example: NEP 2020 mandates life skills education to prepare students holistically for real-world challenges.
• Joint Degree Programs: Collaboration between teaching and research institutions can improve both teaching and research quality.

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India’s higher education sector, with its vast infrastructure and promising initiatives, must implement comprehensive reforms that balance teaching quality with research integration. By enhancing faculty training, promoting industry collaboration, and bridging regional disparities, India can build a skilled workforce equipped to tackle global challenges. This transformation is vital not only for national progress but also for achieving India’s goal of becoming a global knowledge hub.

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