Indian Higher Education System: Issues & Reforms

Overview

• Source: Based on the editorial “How Not To Run Unis” from Times of India (14/01/2025).
• Context: Discussion on UGC’s draft guidelines for Vice-Chancellor appointments and broader governance issues in higher education.

Key Points

Current Challenges

• Governance Issues: Proposed centralization of VC appointments may undermine state autonomy.
• NEP 2020 Vision: Urgent reforms needed in governance, funding, and academic quality to achieve the goals of NEP 2020.

Key Reforms Introduced

1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
   • Focus on flexibility and multidisciplinary learning.
   • Introduces a 5+3+3+4 structure and multiple entry-exit options.
   • Aims for a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035.
2. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC):
   • Allows credit transfer among institutions, enhancing flexibility.
3. National Research Foundation (NRF):
   • Aims to improve the research ecosystem and promote innovation.
4. Digital Learning Initiatives:
   • Programs like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and PM eVidya enhance access to quality education.
5. Internationalization:
   • Encourages foreign universities to establish campuses in India.
   • The “Study in India” program targets attracting international students.
6. Vocational Education Focus:
   • Integrates vocational training into higher education.

Key Issues in Higher Education

• Poor Research Ecosystem:
  • Research spending at 0.7% of GDP, below the global average of 1.8%.
  • India ranks 40th in the Global Innovation Index 2023.
• Faculty Shortages:
  • 40% vacancy in IITs and 31% in IIMs; inadequate teacher-student ratio (1:26).
• Low GER:
  • Current GER at 27.3%, highlighting disparities in access.
• Industry-Academia Disconnect:
  • Employability rate at 54.81% in 2024 due to misalignment with market needs.
• Governance and Centralization:
  • Overlapping mandates of regulatory bodies impede effective governance.
• Digital Divide:
  • Only 34% of schools have internet access; inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas.

Proposed Measures for Revitalization

• Enhancing Research and Innovation:
  • Establish research clusters to connect academia with industry.
• Strengthening Industry-Academia Linkages:
  • Develop market-oriented curricula and internship programs.
• Improving Faculty Quality:
  • Focus on merit-based recruitment and continuous professional development.
• Promoting Digital Learning:
  • Invest in hybrid learning models and digital infrastructure.
• Boosting Internationalization:
  • Reform visa policies and improve infrastructure for foreign students.
• Reforming Governance:
  • Streamline regulatory bodies and enhance institutional autonomy.
• Vocational Education Integration:
  • Embed practical skills training in higher education.
• Fostering Inclusivity:
  • Expand initiatives for marginalized groups and improve infrastructure accessibility.
• Modernizing Curriculum:
  • Incorporate interdisciplinary and flexible learning models.
• Public-Private Partnerships:
  • Collaborate to improve resources and infrastructure.
• Regional Equity:
  • Target investments in underserved regions to ensure equitable access.

Call to Action: Emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to achieve the aspirations of NEP 2020 and position India as a global knowledge hub.

Mains Question for UPSC Aspirants

Analyze the key challenges facing India’s higher education system. How can the National Education Policy 2020 address these challenges to transform India into a global knowledge hub? (200 Words)