Indian students going abroad for education is not a new phenomenon. Enrolling in a foreign university for higher education is an acceptable route across India. Apart from exposure, foreign universities provide high quality education and often also assure jobs, and importantly, it generally helps in uplifting the social and economic status of the family. This multitude of benefits makes foreign education lucrative and lucrative in the long run. However, sometimes like in the COVID pandemic or the current war situation in Ukraine, students stand at a disadvantage. We have seen the plight of Indian students stuck in Ukraine. Two years ago, India conducted its biggest rescue operation from China since the start of the Covid pandemic. In both these situations the students suffered on the educational, economic, mental health and physical fronts. The sudden closure of foreign education has a serious impact on the students. But we must consider why such a large number of students prefer to go abroad for education.
Inadequate education facilities in India: According to the United Nations Population Prospects, India is home to the largest number of young adults (aged 18 to 23) worldwide. Our education system has the capacity to meet this demand. Take medical education for example. On an average, 15 lakh students in the country compete for around one lakh seats in the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET). Only a few thousand get seats in government-run medical colleges. Remaining candidates are forced to explore foreign universities. There are only 88,120 seats for MBBS students across the country, half of which are in the private sector. Similarly, there are only 27,498 seats for dentistry in India. Additionally, for many aspiring students, cost is a major constraint. Again, take the case of medical education. The cost of private medical education in 5 years is approx. 1 crore or more. The burden of such high cost restrains the students and compels them to look for cheaper but better options available on foreign soil. Ukraine, Russia, China, Philippines and Mauritius. provide medical education in the category of 25-50 lakhs. In addition, these countries provide hands-on experience with the latest equipment and technologies. As a result, many Indian students opt for affordable and quality education elsewhere instead of here.
Quality of Education and Professional Performance: India has a limited number of colleges providing quality education. In comparison, foreign nations with smaller populations and a variety of education options allow these students to pursue the academic credentials of their dreams abroad. A large number of foreign universities offer learning facilities in an inter-disciplinary environment. They usually focus on in-depth research. They also offer scholarships, on-campus jobs and work-permit opportunities that attract Indian students. The success of work permit programs available to international students and graduates is also one of the main drivers that contribute to the upliftment of Indian students studying abroad. The degrees offered by foreign universities are recognized worldwide, thus allowing students to exercise their freedom of choice. In short, quality education, global exposure, job availability and quality of life after education are the major factors that drive Indian students to go abroad.
As per the information given by the government in the Rajya Sabha, more than 11 lakh Indian students are studying in 99 countries across the world. These students cumulatively spend more than 2 trillion (about $30 billion) for their education abroad. For the financial year 2022-23, India’s budget for higher education is estimated at 1.04 trillion.
We are losing out not only financially, but also in many other ways, as talented human resources leave the country. India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for higher education is just above 27%, which means that only 27 out of every 100 students who complete high school enroll themselves for degree level education. The National Education Policy 2020 envisages achieving a GER of 50% by 2030. Our current education infrastructure is also inadequate to handle the demand at a GER of 27%; Do we have enough resources to meet the growing demand for higher education?
To stop this drain of money and human resources, we should immediately take the following measures.
One, increasing the supply of public and private institutions. Promoting and encouraging private institutions to establish educational institutions.
Second, rationalize the existing caste based reservation system in the country. The government may consider introducing ‘creamy layer’ criteria for SC and ST candidates. It can also enforce the seat reservation-limit which was mandated by the Supreme Court decision.
Third, standardizing the curriculum in universities. To facilitate inter-disciplinary learning and promote research-oriented education.
Fourth, introduce scholarships and on-campus jobs such as for research and teaching assistants, etc. Loan facility for education also.
The plight of Indian students in a pandemic or war-like situation has underscored the need to rethink our higher education system. It is not simply an issue of a large gap between demand and supply. A good quality education can lead to creation of better human resources and will be an asset to the country in the long run.
Sudhir Mehta is the Chairman and Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries Limited and the President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).
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