CHALLENGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA

S D Singh

doi:10.52634/mier/2017/v7/i2/1414

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of the historical background of higher education (HE) in India, changing policies for improving the higher education system and the challenges. The paper provides reasons for deficiencies in higher education in India and discusses few policies and commissions which were set up for improvement at the higher level of education. Further, it elaborates the recent developments in higher education and provides some suggestions for revamping the higher education system in India.

Highlights

Today, we have almost 711 universities and more than 40760 affiliated colleges, enrolling more than 26 million students (Annual Report, UGC, 2014-15)
Analysis of the present status of higher education sector in India reveals that the three greatest challenges are access, equity, and quality
According to AISHE 2014-15, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher education in India was 24.3%, which is calculated for the age group of 18-23 years

Summary

INTRODUCTION

We have almost 711 universities and more than 40760 affiliated colleges, enrolling more than 26 million students (Annual Report, UGC, 2014-15). Higher Education is important at a micro as well as macro level. The system of higher education provides a steady and continuous supply of that human power which is demanded by various sectors of national economy. The present curriculum is such that it does not offer anything new It does not satisfy market needs and students (outputs) get degrees but they do not find themselves relevant as an input by various sections of the economy. Some changes are made with regard to curriculum by the time they are introduced they will be out-dated They do not satisfy demands of the present world. Analysis of the present status of higher education sector in India reveals that the three greatest challenges are access, equity, and quality

Access

Equity

Quality

Findings

CONCLUSION