Ashoka University Founder Pranav Gupta discusses trends and developments in higher education sector
Higher education in India is changing and evolving with new programs, courses, emerging ideas and trends, alongside major emphasis on internationalization. With the government proactively fostering higher education, research and innovation as main driving factors of development, the nation is steadily progressing towards becoming a global hotspot for education. “For a long time, higher education was at a standstill, but in recent years, the situation has altered. Through new education policies, programmes and objectives, educational institutions are focused to promote academic excellence, bridging disparities and preparing students for the future by establishing inclusive and varied learning environments,” states Pranav Gupta Ashoka University Founder.
Trending Courses and Events
The interest in STEM fields including data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning has increased dramatically in recent years. As students seek to hone their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, there is a significant upsurge in demand for business and management courses. These domains are capturing the interest of Indian masses who want to learn the skills required to be successful in a work environment that is constantly changing. Additionally, there has been a rising interest in liberal arts programs as they incorporate several academic fields. Students seeking a more comprehensive education and a better outlook are gradually taking advantage of courses that merge law, design, humanities and finance.
Further, the importance of technology in higher education has expanded. It involves not just delivering knowledge to students but also removing barriers to accessing high-quality education. Artificial intelligence is one technology that has a strong potential within higher education. Several schools and universities are using AI to alleviate time-consuming educational and administrative duties, simplify IT procedures and optimize the educational experience of students.
Pranav Gupta points out, “Ashoka and Plaksha universities are already cutting-edge institutions that were created with the intention of improving Indian education and equipping our learners with the resources they require to excel in their careers. Our programmes and liberal arts approach are both intended to help them succeed in the workplace once they graduate. And now with the introduction of technology in higher education, we are adapting to it in our classrooms and campuses. Other than promoting engagement and accessibility, students can benefit from more experimental and contextualized active learning processes enabled by online and blended learning, VR, AR and AI technology.”
Corporate Trends and Governance
There has been an increase in the corporate sector’s participation in the higher education sector as more companies are funding R&D projects and setting up their own higher education institutions. Due to this, curricula are becoming more industry-focused, and universities and colleges are working to create programmes that cater to market demands.
In the meantime, the government has increased its commitment for higher education by introducing many initiatives and programs to replace the prior obsolete education paradigm. Together with the implementation of New Education Policy-2020, Academic Bank of Credits, scholarships and the emphasis on vocational training, there has also been a drive for universities to have more autonomy.
Pranav Gupta Ashoka Co-Founder shares, “The Indian government’s persistent dedication to promote higher education in the nation is greatly impressive. Their latest policies and efforts have created new opportunities for students to achieve their academic aspirations with better convenience and financial assistance. The government’s attempt to enhance the higher education ecosystem in India is quite admirable, and I think they will contribute to the development of a generation of highly educated and capable individuals who will assist to define the country’s future.”
Internationalization of Higher Education
The Indian government is taking many steps to draw foreign students as well as esteemed faculty into its shores. Global institutions like Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Oxford and others have been granted approval by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish campuses and award degrees in India. Along with that, the Study in India program has been introduced that endorses India as a higher education destination. With these significant measures, Indian students would be able to obtain global degrees for an affordable price, enhancing India’s reputation as a popular global study destination. These actions are intended to improve the international credibility of Indian educational institutions and to foster a more accessible and diversified educational environment.
Pranav Gupta of Ashoka University asserts, “When most Indian students choose to study overseas, there is a significant outflow of capital. The rise of foreign education in India is a positive development since it can retain our students while ensuring that everyone receives finest education within the country. Along with accessibility to high-quality education and human capital retention, it would also increase competitiveness and compel our Indian institutions to stay focused and boost their quality levels to match market expectations.”
