Higher Education in India
Higher education refers to the education in colleges and universities. India has a large higher education system. It has more than 600 universities and over 33000 colleges with more than 20 million students. These includes higher education in the fields of technical, medical, law, forestry, etc.
The present situation of higher education system in India is complex and challenging. With the increase in population, there has been surge in the number of students seeking admission in these universities and colleges for higher education. In the field of higher education in India, there was the time when population of the country was much lesser and higher education was accessible to all and everyone.
High Cut-off rate: Students find a staggeringly high cut-off percentage for admission such as 80%, 85% even 90% in some subjects in prestigious universities and colleges. This again is a grim scenario, causing distress disappointment even leading to deep depression among the admission seekers. Such situation affects the mental condition of the students. However, it is true that only the deserving should seek admission and granted admission.
Diversified streams for higher education: The streams for higher education have been diversified in a large way. There are several options for the admission seekers, but qualifications and competitions at every stage are to be presented and faced.
Loan schemes: For the brilliant-poor, there should be educational-loans schemes by the banks, which should be available after due scrutiny of qualifications and means, repayable in easy installments or even after getting duly employed. Many banks have come up with education loan schemes for students.
Limited Stay: Students at the Universities should be allowed to stay as students only for limited period of study and research period. Beyond it, none should be allowed to stay after post-graduation. Professional students, who just want to stay on as they have nothing better to do, turn into student leaders, indulge in politics, become active members of some political party, contest union elections and ultimately become a law and order problem for the administration. Such disoriented students have no place in a university or a college.
Role of Teachers: Here again the final onus falls on teachers. They, by their precept as well as by their example of uprightness and devotion to duty should become the real torch bearers for the student community and win regard and reverence from them. That alone can place the University or the college campus above narrow gains.
Private coaching: Private coaching has become a wide-spread malady among university teachers. This needs to be curbed and controlled even by law, if required.
Distance higher education: For those who have failed to get admission to a University, or a college, distance-education is the only answer. The Indira Gandhi Open University and similar other Universities all over the country with full recognized courses could be and are the only answer to the aspirant for higher education. There can be multifarious courses offered by these Universities which can even be different from those offered at the regular Universities or their associated or affiliated college and this can be an added attraction to students and can absorb a large number of the crowd waiting at the brinks of the Universities and colleges. While gaining the chance of getting a degree, such seekers can keep working somewhere, if they can along with pursuing a course of study of their choice.
