Higher Education in India: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The research paper 'Higher Education in India : Challenges and Prospects' endeavors to probe into the problems of higher education in India in the context of globalization. The paper discusses the various issues which need to be addressed urgently if India has to make rapid strides in the field of education. The data was collected from secondary sources for analysis and study. The data shows that the amount of spending in this sector has not increased commensurate with the global standards and needs . There is a need to involve the industrial houses in helping to build infrastructure, providing guidance, skill building and funding as a part of their corporate social responsibility. The objective of the paper is to study the problems in higher education in India, especially after globalization and the entry of the private sector in higher education and examine some plausible solutions to improve the quality, affordability and availability to those who deserve it. The requirements of higher education cannot be wholly be met by the Government. However, the Government's presence is very crucial to facilitate the implementation of the equity and inclusive growth principles. An increased and active role of the private sector is inevitable, it is necessary to encourage research, vocational courses and provide high-quality education. It is necessary to expedite steps to make teaching an attractive career in order to attract the best talent. It is equally important to improve the quality of college education at the undergraduate level, which will have a direct impact on the quality and caliber of students opting for entry into institutions of excellence in higher education. There is a need for greater coordination of activities and the Government as well as the private institutions can co-exist and mutually support to fill in the gaps in higher education as in the case of countries like USA. For equity and social considerations, the Government can initiate schemes to include the economically backward and other disadvantaged students in the ambit of quality education. While allowing public-private participation, the Government should guide, regulate and monitor the growth of the institutions of higher learning to improve quality. The quality of teaching, learning and research needs to be upgraded if India is to evolve as a world class educational hub.