The over-politicization of Indian higher education is in the news these days because it is having a profound impact on academic life and autonomy of institutions. It is deeply rooted in the history of Indian education and has increased in intensity in recent years. At present, academic freedom and intellectual discourse in India are being hindered, due to which the demand for comprehensive reforms in the education system in India has also emerged as an important issue.
Current Status of Higher Education in India
- In India, higher education refers to tertiary level education pursued after completing 12 years of schooling. It has the second largest higher education system in the world, comprising over 58,000 higher education institutions.
- Currently, India has 43.3 million students enrolled for higher education. Of these, around 79% of students are enrolled in undergraduate courses, 12% in postgraduate (master’s degree) courses, and only 0.5% in PhD courses. Most of the remaining students are pursuing sub-degree diploma programmes.
- At the undergraduate level, arts (34%) is the most popular subject area, followed by science (15%), commerce (13%), and engineering and technology (12%). At the postgraduate level, social sciences (21%) are the top subject area, followed by science (15%) and management (14%). At the PhD level, engineering and technology (25%) have the highest number of students enrolled, followed by science (21%).
- The higher education participation rate (GER) has increased to 28.4%, an increase of 1.1% from the previous year 2020-21. The states/UTs with the highest GER are Chandigarh, Puducherry, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Telangana.
- In the year 2021-22, the total number of foreign students in Indian institutions was around 46,000.
Consequences of Hyperpoliticisation of Education
- Reduced Academic Freedom: There’s a growing concern that political influence could undermine academic freedom, with faculty and students potentially facing pressure to align with the political ideology.Liz Magill, president of the University of Pennsylvania, testified before a U.S. Congressional committee on the issue of antisemitism on college campuses. Under pressure from wealthy donors and alumni, she resigned.
- Global Reputation: A politicised academic environment may deter talented students and faculty from enrolling or working in Indian institutions. This could hinder India’s efforts to become a global leader in higher education.
- Reduced Diversity of Thought: When political agendas dominate academic discourse, it can lead to a stifling of open debate and a reluctance to explore alternative viewpoints.
- Potential for Student Activism: Increased politicisation can lead to student activism aligned with or against the political party. While student activism can be positive, it can also disrupt academic life if it becomes overly politicised.
- Erosion of Public Trust in Academia: When universities are seen as pawns in political games, public trust in the value and objectivity of academic research can erode. This weakens the legitimacy of academic expertise in shaping public policy.
- Reduced Research Funding: Politicians with short-term agendas may be less likely to invest in long-term research projects with uncertain commercial applications.This can stifle innovation and India’s ability to compete in the global knowledge economy.
- Reduced Employability: Employers increasingly value skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. A hyper-politicised education that prioritises ideology over these skills can leave graduates less prepared for the workforce.