India has recently climbed five ranks, from 40th to 35th, in the Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI) 2019, according to the report released by The Economist Intelligence Unit. This year, India recorded a score of 53, a significant improvement from the overall score of 41.2 across categories in 2018. Finland topped the index, with Sweden following closely behind.
About the Worldwide Educating for the Future Index
The Yidan Prize Foundation commissions the WEFFI index and report to evaluate the effectiveness of education systems in preparing students for future work and life demands in a rapidly evolving landscape. The index is the first global comprehensive measure focusing on inputs to education systems rather than outputs such as test scores. The targeted demographic spans the 15-24 age band in 35 economies.
Evaluating Education Systems: The Key Points
The WEFFI assesses countries based on their capacity to provide skill-based education. The rankings are influenced by three categories: Policy environment, Teaching environment, and Overall socio-economic environment. The report critically analyses the education system considering skill-based education, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurship, in addition to technical and digital skills. Notably, among the world’s largest economies, the US, UK, France, and Russia fell back while China, India and Indonesia made progress.
Exploring India’s Upward Trend
The report credits India’s growth to the implementation of the new national education policy, published in 2019. It emphasizes future-oriented skills such as critical thinking, communication, and entrepreneurship. Highlighted in the Union Budget 2020 under the programme ‘Aspirational India,’ this policy aims to enhance skill-based education, attract talented teachers, innovate and improve labs, and allow a greater inflow of finance. By March 2021, a comprehensive online degree programme and apprenticeship-embedded degree/diploma courses will commence in 150 higher educational institutions.
Defining Aspirational India
The Union Budget 2020 introduced ‘Aspirational India’ as one of the three key themes, alongside economic development and building a caring society. The program focuses on advancement in rural areas, water and sanitation, and education.
Identifying Challenges to Overcome
Despite the leaps, the report highlights several challenges within India’s education system. It critiques the inability to internationalize the higher education system and the decentralization of education. It argues that policies for future skills development often do not penetrate lower levels, an issue prevalent in economies like the US and India.
Solutions: Strengthening India’s Education System
For India to become a preferred destination for higher education, it needs to continue developing its education system. Initiatives like the Study in India Programme are crucial. This programme conducts the Ind-SAT exam for Asian and African students to achieve scholarships. Results will be used as a benchmark for foreign candidates receiving scholarships to study in Indian higher educational centers.
The Study in India Programme
The Ministry of Human Resource Development runs the Study in India Programme, aiming to attract foreign students by marketing India as an attractive education destination. The programme provides fee waivers to deserving foreign students studying in Indian educational institutes.