By Satyabrat Borah
India’s education system stands at a critical juncture. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant step toward reform, aiming to transform the landscape of learning in the country. However, to truly prepare young Indians for the uncertainties of the future, urgent action and increased investment are imperative. The days when routine subject knowledge was the hallmark of a good education are fading. In a rapidly changing global environment, the focus must shift toward fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. While the NEP lays a foundation, the real challenge lies in its effective implementation and addressing systemic gaps that have long plagued India’s education ecosystem.
India is home to approximately 58,000 higher education institutions, a staggering number that reflects the scale of the system. Yet, the quality of these institutions varies dramatically. A handful of elite institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), witness fierce, almost life-or-death competition for admission. These institutions are seen as gateways to success, offering top-tier education and promising career prospects. However, the majority of colleges and universities struggle with outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified faculty. This disparity in quality creates a skewed perception of education, where only a few institutions are deemed worthy, while others languish in mediocrity.
A few years ago, a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) highlighted a concerning trend: nearly half the seats in engineering colleges for the mechanical stream remained vacant each year. This low enrollment is not a simple issue of demand and supply. Opening more institutions to address this gap is not a viable solution, as India already faces a severe shortage of qualified teachers. The problem is not just the quantity of institutions but the quality of education they provide. Without well-trained educators, new colleges would merely replicate the shortcomings of existing ones, perpetuating a cycle of substandard learning.
One useful indicator of the effectiveness of a higher education system is the number of research degrees awarded annually. India produces around 29,000 doctorates each year, making it the third-largest producer of PhDs globally in numerical terms. However, this figure pales in comparison to China, which awards 56,000 doctorates, and the United States, which leads with 71,000. More concerning than the quantity is the quality of these degrees. Many Indian PhDs are criticized for lacking rigor, originality, and relevance to real-world challenges. While India’s population rivals China’s, the gap in research output and quality underscores the need for a stronger focus on fostering innovation and critical inquiry in higher education.
Financially, India allocates approximately 4 percent of its GDP to education, which aligns with the global benchmark of 4-6 percent. Of this, roughly half is directed toward school education, with the remainder supporting higher education. However, a significant portion of this budget is consumed by staff salaries, leaving little room for investment in innovation, infrastructure, or curriculum development. This allocation pattern stifles progress in critical areas such as learning assessment, teacher training, and the integration of technology in classrooms. To address these gaps, India must consider increasing its education budget, both as a percentage of GDP and overall government expenditure. Additional funds could support curriculum restructuring, the development of robust assessment systems, and improved coordination between different stages of education, from primary to tertiary levels.
The rise of private players in education has been a notable trend in recent years. Private schools and colleges often offer better facilities, modern teaching methods, and a more diverse curriculum. However, this comes at a steep cost, making quality education inaccessible to a large section of the population. Government-run institutions, while more affordable, often suffer from underfunding, outdated resources, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. This disparity creates an equity challenge, where only those with financial means can access high-quality education. A balanced approach is needed: investing in state-run institutions to improve their quality while also providing scholarships and financial aid to deserving students to access private education. Such a strategy could bridge the gap between affordability and excellence, ensuring that quality education is not a privilege but a right.
International examples offer valuable lessons for India. Countries like Estonia, Finland, and South Korea consistently perform well in global education assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). These nations share certain key characteristics that have driven their success. First, they invest adequately in education, ensuring that schools and colleges have the resources they need to thrive. Second, they emphasize a strong, well-structured curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Third, they prioritize teacher training, recognizing that educators are the backbone of any education system. Fourth, they employ strategic and regular assessments to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement. Finally, these countries pay attention to the psycho-social and material needs of learners, creating a supportive environment for holistic development. Social respect for education and the teaching profession also plays a crucial role in their success.
The NEP 2020 addresses many of these issues, proposing reforms such as a multidisciplinary approach to higher education, the integration of vocational training, and a focus on critical thinking and creativity. It also emphasizes the importance of teacher training, flexible curricula, and the use of technology in education. However, the success of the NEP depends on its implementation. A coordinated approach involving central and state governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders is essential. Without effective execution, the policy risks remaining a well-intentioned document with little real-world impact.
In his 1971 book “Deschooling Society”, philosopher Ivan Illich challenged conventional notions of education. He argued that society had become fixated on the idea that better education could only be achieved through more complex schools and longer teacher training programs. Instead, Illich proposed inverting the traditional education funnel, which channels students into predetermined paths. He envisioned a web of learning connections, where individuals could access diverse opportunities to learn based on their interests and needs. This idea is particularly relevant today, as the world grapples with rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and social changes. The only certainty in today’s world is uncertainty, and education must prepare students to navigate this unpredictability.
To achieve this, India’s education system must focus on creating lifelong learners. This requires a shift from rote memorization to a model that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. Students need to be equipped with the skills to learn independently, seek out knowledge, and apply it in real-world contexts. This approach aligns with the demands of the modern workforce, where employers value creativity, collaboration, and the ability to learn new skills quickly. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, India can prepare its youth for a future where change is the only constant.
Teacher training is a critical component of this transformation. Well-prepared educators are essential for delivering quality education and inspiring students to reach their potential. India must invest in comprehensive training programs that equip teachers with modern pedagogical techniques, technology integration, and the ability to address diverse learning needs. Additionally, the curriculum must be restructured to focus on practical skills, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world applications. Assessments should move beyond traditional exams to include project-based evaluations, peer reviews, and other methods that measure a student’s ability to think critically and solve problems.
The role of technology in education cannot be overstated. Digital tools, online learning platforms, and artificial intelligence can enhance teaching and learning, making education more accessible and personalized. However, the digital divide remains a challenge in India, with many students lacking access to devices, reliable internet, and digital literacy. Addressing this gap requires investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and initiatives to provide affordable technology to underserved communities.
Another critical aspect is the psycho-social well-being of students. Education is not just about academic achievement; it is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can thrive in all aspects of life. Schools and colleges must provide counseling, mental health support, and extracurricular opportunities to help students develop emotionally and socially. A supportive environment can boost confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are essential for navigating the challenges of the modern world.
India’s education system has the potential to be a global leader, but this requires bold, sustained action. Increasing investment in education is a starting point, but it must be accompanied by systemic reforms. Strengthening state-run institutions, ensuring equitable access to quality education, and learning from international best practices are crucial steps. The NEP provides a roadmap, but its success depends on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
The real push for education in India goes beyond policy documents and incremental changes. It requires a fundamental shift in how we view and deliver education. By investing in teachers, modernizing curricula, leveraging technology, and addressing equity, India can build an education system that prepares its youth for the uncertainties of the future. The goal is not just to produce graduates but to create lifelong learners who can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic world. The time for action is now, and the stakes could not be higher. Only through a concerted, coordinated effort can India transform its education system into a powerful engine of progress, empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future.
