admin In a groundbreaking announcement at the annual FICCI Higher Education Summit, NITI Aayog’s CEO, BVR Subrahmanyam, revealed plans for a comprehensive “vision document” geared towards transforming India into a global education hub. The visionary initiative aims to enrol half a million foreign students in Indian institutions by the year 2047. Subrahmanyam emphasised the strategic pillars of this vision, emphasising the need for improved quality, heightened brand value, and global recognition for Indian education.
Responding to this vision, AIU joint secretary Kuldeep Dagar outlined the alignment of the Association of Indian Universities with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Dagar highlighted key measures being implemented under the NEP, including the allowance of branch campuses for international universities within India. The move is designed to attract students from neighbouring countries who might otherwise opt for Western nations, while also retaining Indian students who traditionally choose to study abroad. The allocation of seats for international students in Indian universities has seen a substantial increase, rising from 15% to 25%.
Revolutionising Higher Education: Innovation and Collaboration at the Core
Subrahmanyam stressed the imperative for India’s higher education sector to be more innovative, suggesting a complete overhaul to equip students for evolving industry demands. A key aspect of this transformation involves a significant embrace of artificial intelligence (AI), with Subrahmanyam cautioning that technology will play a pivotal role in reshaping the higher education sector globally. As part of India’s tech-centric approach, the recent introduction of the Study in India portal aims to streamline international student enrollment.
AIU’s Dagar highlighted ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating academic collaborations and fostering a more inclusive environment. These efforts include the introduction of scholarship programs tailored for global learners and initiatives designed specifically for neighbouring countries. Subrahmanyam’s vision aligns with FICCI’s recent report, “Transformation of Indian Higher Education: Strategies to Leapfrog,” which emphasises collaboration with foreign institutions through student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, international branch campuses, dual degree programs, and increased provision for seamless integration of international students.
Challenges and Opportunities in Globalisation: Accelerating India’s Presence
While celebrating the growth and initiatives, the report acknowledges that 6% of international students are concentrated in India’s top five private and public institutions. To bolster sector-wide globalisation, the report recommends accelerating the pace of international expansion. Drawing insights from successful models, including Australia’s national strategy for international education, the report underscores the need for collaboration and learning from global best practices. It advocates for industry giants to strengthen partnerships with international Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to enhance internationalisation further. Accreditation agencies are recognised for their pivotal role in promoting diversity among students, aligning with India’s commitment to creating a diverse and vibrant international student community within its educational landscape.
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