Context:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India is celebrated for its focus on practical learning and skill-based education. Nevertheless, a significant disparity between the education imparted and the demands of industries persists, even with a substantial number of science graduates.
Relevance:
GS II: Education
Dimensions of the Article:
- Higher Education Landscape in India for STEM Graduates
- Challenges in State-affiliated Higher Education Institutions for STEM
- Transforming State Universities into Skill-Based Education Hubs
Higher Education Landscape in India for STEM Graduates
University Structure:
- India has a total of 1,113 universities, with 422 being public institutions under State governments.
- State-affiliated colleges associated with these universities cater to a significant portion of student enrolments.
Role of Universities:
- Public universities play a pivotal role in preparing graduates for careers in science and technology.
BSc Enrolments:
- STEM graduates, comprising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, exhibit substantial enrolment.
- Around 50 lakh students are enrolled in BSc courses.
- Over 11 lakh students complete their bachelor’s degrees annually (All-India Survey of Higher Education Report 2021-2022).
Advanced Education Drop-off:
- The number of STEM graduates significantly reduces at higher education levels.
- Approximately 2.9 lakh students pursue master’s degrees (25% of BSc graduates).
- Doctoral level witnesses further decline, with only 6,000 science PhDs awarded each year.
Importance of Advanced Degrees:
- A master’s degree or PhD is a prerequisite for entry-level positions in scientific research and teaching.
- Positions at universities and national institutes typically require advanced qualifications.
Immediate Workforce Entry:
- Around 8 lakh bachelors-equivalent science graduates annually enter the workforce.
- These graduates represent a substantial human resource pool for immediate or near-future employment.
Primary Education Source:
- Most bachelors-level science graduates obtain their degrees from State-affiliated colleges and universities.
Challenges in State-affiliated Higher Education Institutions for STEM:
Outdated Curricula:
- Many State-affiliated institutions offer outdated curricula that do not align with modern technologies and advancements.
- Students face difficulties in acquiring relevant and current knowledge and skills.
Lack of Practical Training:
- Science courses often lack practical training opportunities.
- Inadequate or poorly maintained laboratory facilities limit hands-on experience and practical skill development.
Resource Constraints:
- State-affiliated institutions face resource limitations compared to Institutes of Eminence and private universities.
- Lack of research-intensive environment hampers research opportunities for students and faculty.
Defining Role and Identity:
- These institutions struggle to define their unique role in higher science education.
- Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and upskilling needs presents a challenge.
Skills Mismatch:
- Despite a large number of science graduates, industries report a gap in required skills.
- State-affiliated institutions may not be adequately equipping graduates with job-relevant skills.
Transforming State Universities into Skill-Based Education Hubs:
Curriculum Revamp:
- Update BSc and integrated course curricula to emphasize industry-relevant skills such as programming, data analysis, instrumentation, quality assurance, and benchmarking.
- Integrate skill-focused certifications within the curriculum to enhance employability.
Industry Collaborations:
- Establish long-term partnerships with industries through seminars, expert interactions, apprenticeships, and job fairs.
- Secure funding support from industries to enhance practical training and research projects.
Job Application Skills:
- Include job application skills training to prepare students for the job search process.
- Teach interview techniques, resume writing, and negotiation skills to ensure graduates are job-ready.
International Models:
- Learn from successful models in the U.S. and Europe, such as community colleges and technical universities.
- Prioritize regional education and workforce readiness to align education with industry needs.
Alignment with National Policy:
- Align efforts with the National Education Policy and the proposed National Research Foundation.
- Address the need for skilled scientific personnel and enhance graduate employability.
-Source: The Hindu
