Historical Context: From Reverence to Commercialization
India has a long history of valuing
education, from the ancient learning centers like Nalanda and Takshashila to
the Gurukul system where holistic learning was imparted. However, with the
advent of British colonial rule, the education system was transformed to serve
colonial administrative needs. After independence, India aimed to create a more
equitable system, yet issues of access, quality, and relevance persisted. In the late 20th and early 21st
centuries, the liberalization of India’s economy saw the rapid growth of
private institutions. These institutions, many of which operate for profit,
have led to the widespread commercialization of education, leading to concerns
that higher education is more about profit than learning.
Financial Burden: Education as a Business
One of the biggest criticisms of
India’s academic education system is its exorbitant cost. Education in private
institutions, which have proliferated, is often priced beyond the reach of the
middle class. Private universities and coaching institutes charge astronomical
fees, making education inaccessible for a large section of society. For
instance, an engineering or medical degree from a private college can cost
upwards of 10 lakhs INR, not including the additional costs of living, books,
and resources. At the same time, government
institutions are unable to meet the demand. As a result, many students are
forced into the private sector, which often prioritizes profit over educational
quality. This situation leaves many families in financial distress, taking
loans to afford degrees that may not lead to commensurate employment
opportunities.
Employability Crisis: Degrees Without Jobs
One of the most glaring failures of
the current system is the disconnection between academic qualifications and
employability. A 2019 study by Aspiring Minds showed that 80 percent of Indian
engineers were unfit for jobs in the knowledge economy. Similar statistics are
reported in other fields. Despite the country producing millions of graduates
every year, companies often struggle to find candidates with the necessary
skills. This mismatch between education and
employment opportunities has fueled the perception that academic degrees are
meaningless. Many educational institutions focus more on rote learning and
theoretical knowledge than on practical, real-world skills. As a result,
students spend years obtaining degrees but remain unemployed or underemployed.
Proliferation of Fake and Low-Quality Institutions
A significant contributor to the
"scam" narrative is the proliferation of low-quality, unregulated
institutions. Many private colleges in India are little more than degree mills,
offering subpar education but charging high fees. These institutions exploit
the aspirations of students, offering degrees that hold little value in the job
market. The situation is further exacerbated
by the prevalence of corruption in the admissions process. Fake degrees,
under-the-table admissions, and nepotism are not uncommon. This not only erodes
trust in the education system but also devalues legitimate degrees.
Coaching Culture: The Parallel Economy of Education
One of the more insidious aspects of
India’s education system is the rise of coaching institutes. These institutions
have become parallel educational entities, promising to prepare students for
competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC. Parents often spend their life
savings on these coaching classes, further adding to the financial burden of
education. The focus of these coaching
institutes is not on holistic learning or intellectual development but on
exam-centric preparation. Students often spend years preparing for a single
exam, with little focus on other life skills or education. This reinforces the
idea that education is a transaction—one that, if failed, results in wasted
years and huge financial losses.
Digital Divide: Unequal Access to Education
In recent years, especially with the
advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has emerged as an alternative.
However, this too has laid bare the inequalities in Indian education. While
urban students with access to high-speed internet and digital devices can take
advantage of online learning, rural and economically disadvantaged students are
left behind. This digital divide further
perpetuates inequality, as access to quality education becomes more about
financial and geographical privilege than merit.
Government Failures and
Policy Issues
Despite numerous policies and
initiatives aimed at reforming education, the government has largely failed to
address the core issues. Schemes such as the Right to Education (RTE) have
improved enrollment, but the quality of education remains dismal. Additionally,
government funding for education is insufficient, leading to inadequate
infrastructure, underpaid teachers, and a lack of resources in public
institutions. The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020,
while promising reforms, has yet to show significant impact. Critics argue that
without a systemic overhaul, the policy will merely scratch the surface of
deep-rooted problems.
Way Forward - Reform or
Revolution? Addressing the issues of cost,
quality, and employability will require a multidimensional approach. Some
potential solutions include:
1. Reforming Admissions and
Examinations: Moving away from rote learning and
exam-centric systems towards more holistic, skill-based evaluation.
2. Regulating Private
Institutions: Ensuring stricter oversight of private colleges to prevent
the spread of low-quality institutions.
3. Investment in Public
Education: Increasing government funding to improve infrastructure, teacher
salaries, and resources in public schools and universities.
4. Skill-Based Education:
Focusing on vocational and practical skills that align with industry demands
rather than solely on academic qualifications.
5. Digital Equity:
Expanding access to online education and resources, especially for rural and
economically disadvantaged students.
Conclusion
While it is extreme to label the entire academic system in
India as a "scam," there are certainly elements of it that feel
exploitative to students and their families. The issues of high costs, low
employability, and the commercialization of education have led many to feel
that they are not receiving fair value for their investment in education. For
India to truly realize its potential as a global knowledge hub, it will need to
address these systemic issues and create an education system that is
accessible, affordable, and relevant to the demands of the 21st century.
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