“Apart from the ATOMIC bomb, education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”.
With 58,000 institutions and 43.3 million students, higher education in India is one of the biggest systems in the world.
History of Higher Education in India
The higher education in India dates back to 1000 B.C. when ancient learners focused on Vedic education. The change in the Indian education system was brought by the British colonial legacy when the East India Company established the Calcutta Madrasa in 1781, and then other institutions followed.
During the British rule in India, several universities were established along with the Western model and they grew fast and reputation. The Allahabad University, Patna University, Calcutta University, Delhi University, Lahore University, Madras University became the most prominent ones in British India receiving patronage from the British government.
Higher Education in India After 1947-Independence
After our independence, the Indian education system continued to evolve as the government established the University Education Commission in 1948. In the later years of the 1960s and 1970s, the government of India fully supported higher education and pioneered state-funded universities and colleges.
Open Universities like the Indira Gandhi National Open University were set up as Central Universities with a study-from-home format allowing enrollment of students who could study with lessons mailed to them at the convenience of their time. The central government indirectly controls the policy of education in the state universities through UGC by setting conditions for the grant of additional financial resources for the development of the state universities.
Higher Education in India- Structure
Higher education system in India has three structures that consist of universities, colleges, and courses. We’ve several types of universities:
Central Universities: These uni are established after Parliament passes an act and these are funded and operated by the Union Government.
State Universities: State universities are set up through an Act in the State Legislature and funded and operated by the State.
Private Universities: Owned privately specialized institutions, and multidisciplinary research universities but approved by state government.
Deemed Universities: Institutes that are declared to be equal to universities by the Central Government backed by the Union Grants Commission (UGC).
Regulatory Bodies in Higher Education in India
The several regulatory bodies that supervise higher education in India, are as follows:
– University Grants Commission (UGC): This is the main regulatory body responsible for universities. It provides funds to universities, establishes education standards, and examines the growth of higher education institutions.
– All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): For all technical education, AICTE is the regulatory body.
– National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC): NAAC accredits universities and colleges.
– National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF): This body ranks higher education institutions based on their performance.
Recent Developments in Higher Education in India
Here are some key developments that the Indian government initiated:
– New Education Policy (NEP) 2023: NEP 2023 replaces the traditional 10 + 2 curriculum with a 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 order to create a more flexible and inclusive education system.
– Incubator Centers: Incubator centers are established to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector.
– Growth of Private Education Sector: Private institutions are in demand as they offer better education and hands-on experience by collaborating with businesses to provide students with experiential learning opportunities.
– Internationalization: A few of the Indian universities are affiliating with other countries schools. This helps Indian students to study and earn degrees abroad and gain global understanding, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.
– Increasing Demand for Digital Skills: Tech-savvy workforce is required everywhere so, gigital skills and non-conventional courses are in trend. So, institutions are introducing new courses focused on emerging technologies.
– Rise of Virtual Learning: The pandemic brought virtual learning to India. Now, colleges and universities are offering online courses for students.
In a Nutshell,
higher education in India has seen some major transformations in recent years because of several aspects. Such as the pandemic, the emerging need for digital skills, and flexible studying needs.
The government has introduced several initiatives to increase the quality of education and reputation of Indian higher education institutions.
By emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability, so, the country and its students continue to grow and develop.
To become a global leader in providing quality education, India has to achieve so many milestones and work on providing affordable yet flexible higher education for people of all classes, castes, and creeds.
Related Article :
- What Are The Career Options After MBA or PGDM?
- How An MBA Should Prepare For An Interview?
- Top Management Exams you must take in India
