India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been highly praised for its emphasis on practical learning and skill-based education, but a discrepancy exists between the education provided by state universities and industry requirements. This issue is most apparent in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Current Scenario of STEM Higher Education in India
India boasts 1,113 universities, of which 422 are public and managed by state governments, catering to a significant percentage of students. These institutions play a pivotal role in preparing future members of the scientific workforce. According to the All-India Survey of Higher Education Report 2021-2022, about 50 lakh students are enrolled in BSc courses, with more than 11 lakh students graduating every year.
However, the number of science graduates drastically reduces at the master’s level, with only 2.9 lakh students or roughly 25% of BSc graduates continuing, and it falls even further at the doctoral level with just 6,000 PhDs awarded each year.
Issues Faced by State Affiliated Universities for Higher Education
Challenges faced by state-affiliated institutions include outdated curricula not in line with current technologies and advancements; lack of practical training opportunities and poor lab facilities; limited research focus due to resource constraints; existential crisis as they struggle to find their unique role in higher science education, and an employment gap as industries report a deficiency in manpower trained with appropriate skills.
Transforming State Universities into Skill-Based Education Hubs
To address these issues, universities could align their curriculum with industry needs, revamping BSc and integrated course curricula to focus on market-required skills and certifications. They could also build industry collaborations, providing real-world exposure and enhancing practical training opportunities for students.
Incorporation of job application skills into the curriculum could ensure graduates are prepared for the job market. Universities could also adopt successful international models that prioritize regional education and workforce readiness.
Bridging Policy Objectives
By transforming themselves into hubs for skill-based education, state-affiliated universities can help meet India’s need for skilled scientific personnel and tackle graduate-level employability challenges. This would align with the objectives of the NEP and proposed National Research Foundation.
Conclusion
Transitioning state-affiliated universities into science-focused, skill-based educational centers would help bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry standards, preparing graduates for a competitive job market. Such a transition aligns well with the broader goals of the NEP and contributes to enhancing India’s overall scientific capabilities.
Past UPSC Civil Service Exam Questions Related to Education
Previous year questions related to education in the UPSC civil services examination include: Q1. Discuss how digital initiatives in India have contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country (2020). Q2. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail (2021).
