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Indian Higher Education in Transition: Emerging Issues and Strategic Change

Author : Dr. Tuhina Begum and Mandira Paul

Abstract :

India’s higher education system, one of the largest in the world, is undergoing a profound transformation shaped by global dynamics, technological advancements, and domestic imperatives. The central objective of higher education is to maximize the human resource potential of future generations while simultaneously fostering economic growth. The National Education Policy (NEP 2020), introduced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, has ushered in a paradigm shift in the higher education landscape of India. Consequently, notable progress has been made in areas such as educational infrastructure, institutional frameworks, learning facilities, virtual classrooms, worldwide rankings, and the teacher–pupil ratio. Yet, this transformation is also accompanied by significant challenges, including privatization, escalating educational costs, and student dropouts. Furthermore, the rapid proliferation of private and state universities has increasingly positioned educational institutions as business enterprises, necessitating greater professionalism in their governance. Shifts in the perceptions of students and parents toward higher education are also becoming evident. This article seeks to explore the emerging trends, opportunities for reform, and the critical role of human resource development within India’s higher education sector. Ultimately, education is not only an engine of economic progress but also a profound instrument for shaping individuals into morally and socially responsible beings.

Keywords :

Global dynamics, economic growth, education system, worldwide rankings, privatization, emerging trends, economic progress.