The Framework of Indian Higher Education System
Indian education system is divided into primary, secondary and higher education and it is designed to educate each and every individual of the country. India’s population is about to reach 1.27 billion by 2016 with 140 million people in the college going age group. Current Indian education sector needs more colleges and university to meet the necessity. If we consider our current education system there are 320 universities along with 130 affiliated universities. There are several deemed universities, institute of national importance and over 1500 colleges which are part of the current education system and are providing education to the youth of our country.
Regulatory Authorities of higher education system
The Government has been taking several steps to make the education system people centric. To maintain a positive influence on the quality of education the university grant commission (UGC) was established in 1956 and later it has decentralized its operations by opening six regional centers for a better region wise coverage. It also provides financial assistance to the eligible colleges and regulates the affiliated universities. UGC affiliated universities have complete freedom for the implementation of new courses which they think relevant and appropriate for the national needs.
Like UGC, All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of our nation. AICTE was established in November 1945 to promote the technical education throughout the country. Ministry of Human Resource Development also constituted a National Working Group to look into the role of AICTE in the establishment of new technical institutions as well as the maintenance of standards. The working committee had given its concern that AICTE should be vested with necessary statutory authority to make it more effective.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) is established with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining high standards of medical education in India. It registers doctors to practice in India, in order to protect and promote the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine.
Apart from the AICTE and UGC there are several other states governing institutions which give a quality education in an affordable cost. Students coming from poor family bag round and those who want to study at the nearest college to their home generally choose these colleges or universities.
Institutes of National Importance
Some universities like IIT, NITs, AIIMS, NIPERs, ISIS play an important role in delivering the talent as well remain a key player for Indian economy are under the control of central government. These institutes are generally funded by the Government of India to develop excellent research labs and proper academics. One can get admission to these institutes only through highly competitive examinations like the CAT/IIT-JEE/JMET/AIEEE/NIMCET.
According to a survey, India will become a key supplier of global talents and a higher education hub for most of the countries by 2030. As there are shortcomings, the Higher Education System in India needs to be improved as it remains a key player of providing talents to the globe. To make Indian higher education more effective and transparent the Government is taking effective decisions and inviting foreign key players to invest in our education sector. There are several welcoming initiatives such as changing the curriculum to meet the industry requirement and others which have been taken by the government to improve the quality and infrastructure.