The Indian education system has undergone multiple changes in the last few decades especially since India became independent in 1947. Back in the time, nobody paid attention to education so much due to presumed notions like only men should study and education is not for the poor. However, after the industry liberalization in 1991, there has been a renewed focus on making education a top priority for the nation.
Post 1991, there was a growing understanding that upgrading India’s extensive network of pre-primary schools, primary-secondary schools, colleges, and universities is important. This was done not just to achieve the status of a well-to-do nation but also to leverage the nation’s young population. Since then, the education system has been growing both in rural and urban areas for a better future for the nation.
Historical Neglect of Education & The Current State
In the early years of independence, India adopted a socialist model influenced by the Soviet Union, which led to the underfunding of public education in favor of other sectors. Despite the 1967 Kothari Commission’s recommendation to invest 6% of the GDP in education, national spending has averaged only 3.5%.
The public education system, particularly in rural areas, remains poor due to several reasons like poor infrastructure. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) shows that over 50% of Class VII children in rural areas cannot read Class II textbooks or solve basic division problems. The 2024-25 budget allocates only 0.4% of GDP to public education, highlighting ongoing neglect.
Schools face inadequate infrastructure, poor teaching quality, and a lack of vocational and life skills education, leaving many students unprepared for employment or further education.
How Can We Improve The Education System as Authorities?
Now that we know why and how the historical neglect affected our current education system, taking measures to improve it is slightly easier. While the education sector has improved significantly since the late 1990s, there’s still a long journey ahead. Here are some strategies and predictions that could drive further progress in the coming years.
1. Digital Integration in Early Learning
The rise of the internet and smartphones has made digital learning more common and efficient even in rural areas. In the future, we can expect more digital tools and platforms designed for early learners to help them grasp information better. Interactive apps and online resources will support the development of basic reading and math skills, providing personalized learning experiences for young as well as older children.
Students go to Google the minute they encounter a problem, and with several resources on the market, they find what they are looking for. By incorporating digital resources into early education, we can cater to individual learning needs and improve foundational skills from the start.
2. Enhancing Industry-Academia and Global Partnerships
Increased collaboration between universities and industries to align curriculum with job market needs is a great way to go about it. Higher education institutions might focus more on research, supporting innovation, and startups in line with initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’
Increased foreign collaborations, student exchanges, and international campuses of foreign universities have been taking place in India for the last couple of years and are expected to grow even further in the coming years. This means more foreign universities recruit in India, offering scholarships and flexible programs.
3. Growth of EdTech Platforms
The EdTech sector in India is poised for rapid growth. More platforms are offering a wide range of learning materials, from primary education to professional development courses, using interactive and personalized methods. Publishers and content providers are likely to focus on creating adaptive learning materials that adjust to learners’ performance and provide instant feedback.
Self-publishing is becoming popular, with educators and experts sharing their materials directly with learners. Integrating EdTech platforms into the education system can enhance accessibility, provide diverse learning resources, and support lifelong learning.
Role of Private Schools
Talking about private schools in India, which educate about 48% of the country’s 260 million in-school children, generally offer a higher quality of education compared to government schools.
A report by LoEstro Advisors LLP highlights positive developments in private K-12 education. The report notes improvements in gross enrollment ratios, reduced dropout rates, better school infrastructure, and improved student-teacher ratios. It also states the importance of adopting technology in education, improving teaching methods, and focusing on life skills and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Another report by LoEstro Advisors LLP talks about the education market in general with regard to private education. These reports shall help you understand the education system in more detail and the upcoming trends backed with solid facts.
Conclusion
The education sector in India is at a crossroads as there are also promising signs of change, particularly in the private sector. For India to achieve its goals of becoming a developed nation and a $3 trillion economy by 2047, it is essential to continue investing in education and embracing reforms that improve the quality and accessibility of education for all citizens.
At Oasis International School, we focus on culture, respect, and exploration equally. Our students are deeply ingrained with values, applying ethics in all aspects of their lives. Our blended learning system empowers them to view the world through critical thinking. They learn to embrace diverse cultures with compassion and empathy, growing into change-makers.
