Higher Education in India: Status & Associated Challenges

• India’s universities, once envisioned as crucibles of innovation and nation-building, face persistent hurdles in realising academic excellence. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seeks to transform higher education by promoting autonomy, flexibility, and inclusivity. Yet, systemic issues like political interference, underfunding, and regional imbalances continue to stifle their growth.

Current Status of Higher Education in India

1. Enrolment by Stream: At the undergraduate level, the Arts lead with 34.2%, followed by Science (14.8%), Commerce (13.3%), and Engineering and Technology (11.8%).
   • The Social Sciences have the highest enrolment at 21.1% at the postgraduate level.
2. Institutional Enrolment Share: Government universities form 58.6% of the total but account for 73.7% of enrolment, while private universities, despite being fewer in number, cater to 26.3% of students.
3. Faculty Composition: As of 2021–22, India had 15.98 lakh faculty members. The gender ratio improved slightly, with 77 female faculty per 100 male faculty (up from 75 in the previous year).
4. Institutional Base: The country’s higher education system includes 1,168 universities, 45,473 colleges, and 12,002 standalone institutions.
5. Focus on Women’s Education: India has 17 universities and 4,470 colleges exclusively dedicated to women, reflecting efforts towards gender-inclusive education.

Key Benefits of Institutional Autonomy

• Academic and Administrative Flexibility: Autonomy allows institutions to design need-based curricula, though UGC Regulations 2020 limit complete flexibility.
• Boost to Research and Innovation: Greater autonomy supports R&D funding, but budget cuts and low R&D spending (0.64% of GDP) slow progress.
• Improved Governance: Reduces political interference in academic functioning, as seen in conflicts between Governors and Chief Ministers.
• Financial Sustainability: Autonomous institutions can raise revenue through patents, consultancies, and alumni support, but require sufficient budgetary backing.
• Enhanced Global Competitiveness: Autonomy is vital to improve global rankings, but excessive regulation hampers international collaboration.

Challenges in India’s Higher Education System

• Inequitable Access and Low GER: Access remains uneven across socio-economic, gender, and regional lines; GER is 28.4%, below the global average of 36.7%. (AISHE)
• Politicisation and Institutional Autonomy: Political interference in governance and curriculum undermines academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
• Limited Funding and Low R&D Investment: The education budget has been cut by 7%, and UGC funding has decreased by 61%; R&D spending continues to be low at 0.64% of GDP. (PRS India)
• Faculty Shortage and Brain Drain: Over 30% of faculty posts in central universities are vacant; talent often migrates abroad or to the private sector.
• Weak Industry-Academia Linkages: A lack of collaboration results in skill gaps, with a 60–73% demand-supply mismatch in tech roles (India Skills Report).
• Regional Disparities in Higher Education: Quality institutions are concentrated in a few states, while many central and northeastern states lag.

Government Initiatives for Higher Education in India

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Aims to transform higher education through multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and increasing GER to 50% by 2035.
• Institutions of Eminence (IoE) Scheme: Grants selected universities autonomy and funding to develop into world-class teaching and research institutions.
• SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds): Offers free online courses from top institutions to enhance access to quality education.
• Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): Strengthens state universities and colleges through financial support and quality upgrades.
• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF): Ranks higher education institutions to encourage competition, transparency, and accountability.
• National Digital Library of India (NDLI): A digital repository that provides academic resources for students and researchers.
• Study in India Programme: Aims to attract international students by providing scholarships and streamlining admissions.

Reforming Higher Education in India

• Skill-Oriented Learning: Encourage project-based education, internships, and hands-on training to improve employability and practical skills.
• Expand Open Educational Resources (OER): Enhance digital platforms such as the National Digital Library to provide free, accessible, and high-quality learning content.
• Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Establish campus innovation hubs that provide student startup mentorship, funding, and incubation.
• Promote Global Collaborations: Promote joint degrees, twinning programs, and branch campuses through international partnerships.
• Adopt Dual Study Programs: Implement models that combine classroom learning with industrial training, inspired by Germany’s apprenticeship framework.
• Introduce Competency-Based Credentials: Recognise skill-based learning through assessments and blockchain-enabled, tamper-proof digital certificates.

Reforming India’s higher education system is essential for enhancing quality, inclusivity, and global relevance. Transforming institutions into skill generators, fostering research and innovation, and ensuring equitable access can unleash India’s demographic dividend and strengthen its position as a global knowledge hub.

Reference: Indian Express

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 163

Q. Higher education must impart information and foster critical thinking and ethical values. In this context, examine the significant challenges facing higher education in India and suggest measures for its effective transformation. (150 Words) (10 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Write briefly about Higher education and its pivotal role in nation-building.
• Body: Examine the challenges facing higher education in India and suggest measures for its effective transformation.
• Conclusion: Write a thorough and integrative conclusion highlighting the importance of SDGs 4 and 8 for sustainable development.