Is Indian Education System Equipping the Students Enough to Face Future Challenges?

Education is elemental and keeps evolving with time and the human mind. Even though the aim is the same, the premises on which education is based upon differs nation to nation. Owing to this reason, every nation’s education system comes with its own characteristics and features. Being a developing country, the Indian education system is premised upon theoretical learning with the aim of preparing its students for exams while the education system of developed countries has a focus on preparing students beyond examinations.

Since India is still in the developing stage, its Indian education system is considered to be lagging in a number of ways when compared to the global standards of education. Below are some of the major factors which create a contrast between the two, demonstrating the drawbacks of the Indian education system.

Theoretical approach: The curriculum of Indian educational institutions lays emphasis entirely on theoretical knowledge and runs majorly on researches conducted in the past. While it is important to be aware of the theory, having a practical approach towards learning prepares us for life rather than exams and shapes us in a better way to work in a market. While being fruitful in the long run, practical approach towards education makes it easier, more interactive and interesting.

Marks race: This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the Indian education system. The educational institutes in India focus more on how students can score better than learn better. They are always taught how to score well in exams in order to get admission in better school/college. The repercussion of this idea can be seen in blocking their creative side. They are neither taught nor given the space to think out of the box, exhibiting their creative side.

Diversity in courses: In India, students are given a pre-decided set of subject’s combinations to study without being given the liberty to choose their subjects on their own or make a switch in their subjects in the middle of the courses. Contrary to this, most of the European and US-based universities allow their students to switch their subjects even while in the middle of the course without binding them to just one set of subjects. This certainly helps them in broadening their horizons in a better manner.

Push towards traditional career paths: In India, most of the people still choose traditionally tested career paths instead of trying something new to be able to follow their passion. If a student has scored well in his high school, he/she will be highly recommended to pursue science irrespective of his/her passion for music or literature. It is at this point that foreign education system differs and proves to be better. It always promotes its students to study as per their liking and passion instead of amassing name sake degrees.

International exposure: Unlike foreign universities which are able to attract students from varied cultures and walks of life, Indian universities haven’t yet able to muster international students. This is mainly because of the restricted nature of the courses offered that foreign students do not show much interest in Indian universities.

India certainly has a huge potential to improve its educational level and match the global standards. However, the lack of research and inhibitions to walk in the new direction act as hurdles. Once we understand that education is about preparing ourselves for life, not just examinations, we will be matching the level that foreign universities offer.

This article is authored by Ritesh Rawal, Founder, Ritesh Rawal Foundation.