New India’s Rising Standards In Higher Education

Education is the cornerstone of societal development, fostering innovation, economic growth, and social progress. In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its higher education landscape, marked by visionary leadership, global academic collaborations, and the establishment of new institutes. This blog aims to delve into the rising standards of higher education in New India, supported by comparative data analysis, and provide insights from the perspective of a youth witnessing this transformative journey.

Visionary Leadership and Policy Reforms

One of the driving forces behind India’s higher education revolution is the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.“We should not just produce degree-holding youth, but make our education system such that we create human resources that are needed for the country to take it forward.’

Under his guidance, a series of policy reforms have been implemented to enhance the quality and accessibility of education. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) has laid the foundation for a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Global Academic Collaborations

To propel India’s higher education sector to global excellence, the government has prioritised international academic collaborations.

INDIAN UNIVERSITIES WITH FOREIGN TIE UPS

University	City / State	Collaboration
Indian Institute of Science	Bangalore	The University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, Nagasaki University etc.
Indian Institute of Technology	Kanpur	University of California, Santa Cruz.
Ashoka University	Sonipat, Haryana	University of British Columbia, the University of Cambridge, Yale University etc.
Shiv Nadar	Uttar Pradesh	Babson College, USA; Mondragon University, Spain etc
Chitkara University	Chandigarh	It has more than 200 international collaborations
Pondicherry University	Pondicherry	It has collaborations with more 30 than international universities
BML Munjal University	Gurgaon, Haryana	Imperial College London, University of Warwick, LSE

Through initiatives like the Study in India program , The number of applications and online test takers to avail of the scholarships provided under the Study in India (SII) programme grew by 145.6% and 651.9% respectively. The number of countries from which students participated in the programme also grew significantly, from 12 in 2020-21 to 136 in 2021-22.

India has attracted a significant number of foreign students, fostering cultural exchange and enriching academic environments. Additionally, partnerships with renowned international universities have facilitated knowledge sharing, research collaborations, and faculty exchanges, further elevating academic standards.

Higher Education Rankings

India’s ascent in global higher education rankings “Over the years, India’s representation in the .THE World University Rankings has more than doubled. In 2016, there were 31 universities from India in the rankings, which has gone up to 75 .universities, making India the most represented nation in terms of participation,” – Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Times Higher Education (THE), London, during his visit to India he spoke about the massive explosion of Indian Universities participating in the rankings.

Universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have consistently been ranked among the top educational institutions worldwide. The introduction of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has played a crucial role in promoting competition and quality enhancement among Indian universities. This transparent ranking system has led to a significant improvement in research output, faculty quality, infrastructure, and overall academic performance.

New Institutes and Skill Development

Recognizing the need for specialised education in emerging domains, the Indian government has established new institutes and centres of excellence.”From independence till 2014, there were a total of 380 medical colleges across the country, but after the Modi government came to power, 262 new medical colleges were built,”

Since 2014, the central government has established six new IIT institutes and upgraded the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad to an IIT.

Seven new IIMs established at Amritsar (Punjab), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Sambalpur (Odisha) Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) in the last six years.

The creation of institutes like the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISc), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) has provided cutting-edge education and research opportunities in fields such as science, technology, and engineering. Moreover, initiatives like Skill India and Atal Innovation Mission have focused on equipping students with relevant skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.

*Here are the achievements of the Atal Mission:

• Of the 102 shortlisted incubated startups across 23 states, 47 secured funding.

• Over 600 startups have started operations through the mission’s support.

• The mission has organised 350 training programs and 900 events to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

• The mission secured more than 350 collaborative partnerships for the mentor program

Comparative Scenario: Progress and Challenges

When comparing India’s higher education landscape with other nations, it is crucial to acknowledge the progress made while also recognizing the existing challenges. India has witnessed significant growth in terms of enrollment rates.

*According to Ministry of Education releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021

Enrollment in higher education increases to 4.14 crore, crossing the 4 crore mark for first time; increase of 7.5% from 2019-20 and 21% from 2014-15

Female enrollment reaches 2 crore mark, increase of 13 Lakh from 2019-20

Significant increase of 28% in enrolment of SC students and 38% in enrolment of Female SC Students in 2020-21, compared to 2014-15.

Substantial increase of 47% in enrolment of ST students and 63.4% increase in the enrolment of Female ST Students in 2020-21, compared to 2014-15.

Significant increase of 32% in OBC Student enrolment and 39% in Female OBC Students, since 2014-15.

Notable increase of 29% in Student Enrolment and 34% in Female Student Enrolment in the North Eastern Region in 2020-21 since 2014-15.

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has improved from previous year for all social groups

Enrollment in Distance Education has increased by 7% in 2020-21 from 2019-20

Number of Universities has increased by 70, number of Colleges has increased by 1,453, in 2020-21 over 2019-20

Gender Parity Index (GPI) has increased from 1 in 2017-18 to 1.05 in 2020-21

Total number of faculty/teachers increases by 47,914 from 2019-20

However, certain areas still require attention. For instance, there is a need to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that education aligns with industry requirements. Additionally, greater emphasis on research funding, innovation, and interdisciplinary studies can further propel India’s higher education sector to new heights.

The Youth Perspective

As a youth witnessing this transformative journey, I am optimistic about the rising standards in higher education in New India. The focus on holistic education, critical thinking, and innovation will enable us to become well-rounded individuals capable of addressing complex societal challenges. The emphasis on global collaborations and exposure to diverse cultures will broaden our horizons and foster a global outlook. The establishment of new institutes and the emphasis on skill development will equip us with the necessary tools to thrive in the competitive job market. However, we must also actively participate in shaping our educational journey, advocating for inclusivity, sustainability, and a student-centric approach.

Conclusion

India’s higher education sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by visionary leadership, global academic collaborations, and policy reforms. The rise in global rankings, the establishment of new institutes, and the emphasis on skill development showcase India’s commitment to excellence. While challenges remain, the youth perspective is filled with hope and enthusiasm for a future where higher education in India is truly world-class. As we continue to stride forward, let us seize the opportunities, contribute to the growth of our nation, and build a knowledge-driven society that empowers minds and shapes a better tomorrow.