Creating World-Class Education in India

Creating World-Class Education in India

With nearly two-thirds of its population under the age of 35, India has the world's largest pool of young people. However, only 11% of those aged 17-23 receive higher education.

How will the recent increase in the national budget for higher education transform India into a world-class educational hub and ensure access for all its youth?

Key Points
• Reform of the Indian education system is urgently needed
• Education in India should be accessible, affordable and accountable
• Public-private partnerships should be explored as a means of funding
• More students should be encouraged to take vocational courses
• Technology has a key role to play

Synopsis
Of the 22 million children who go to school in India, only 12.4% go on to further education, compared with 63% in the US and more than 50% in Europe. India’s immediate goal is to raise this number to 20% by 2020.

World-class, higher education institutions are needed to create a successful, competitive workforce. However, the creation of such institutions takes time – at least two or three decades. To create such institutions, it is essential to have a “critical mass” of students moving from secondary to higher education, and to raise standards in education across the board. Only then is it possible to start competing with the best educational institutions in the world.

Reform of the Indian education system is long overdue. The fact that 70% of the 509 million people in India’s workforce have not received primary education demonstrates the urgent need for change. The question is: how should India make these changes?

The education system should be completely overhauled and made accessible, affordable and accountable. There needs to be more flexibility and mobility. Public-private partnerships should be explored as a means of funding the changes. Increased funding from philanthropists should also be encouraged. Technology and online courses have a key role to play in increasing access to education.

India is currently a “degree-obsessed” nation. There is a need to destigmatize vocational training and equip students with the skills required by industry. This involves a change in mindsets.

Quality education is tremendously important to the growth and development of a nation. It is vital to motivate young people to invest their time in education and energize and inspire them about future possibilities.