The Relationship between the Central Government and Local Governments in Indian Higher Education: Focus on the Qualification System in Academia

Abstract

India has introduced the federal system since independence from the UK, because of the diversity among its various regions. India has also experienced a rapid expansion of its higher education system. The number of students was about 4.9 million in 1990-1991, but this increased to about 23 million in 2013-2014. Previous works revealed relationships between the central government and the local governments in higher education of India as being confrontational. Meanwhile, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has regulated that prospective teachers take a test to earn qualifications to be assistant professor. The UGC administers the test, called the “National Eligibility Test (NET)”. Some state governments also hold similar tests, called “State Eligibility Test (SET)”. NET has been held for more than 25 years, and the total number of the candidates was about 1 million in 2013. This study examines the relationship between the central government and the local governments in higher education of India, by focusing on the qualification system for positions within the academic profession.