Daily News Analysis

Reimagining the role of state universities in science education

stylish_lining

 

 

Why in the News?                           

On the backdrop of third-anniversary of the National Education Policy  (NEP) 2020 with laudable efforts in advancing skill-based education and practical learning, the science education and training at State-affiliated colleges and universities has been subpar.

Higher Education in India:

Current status of Higher education in India:

  1. India produces over 25 lakh graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) every year, accounting for the largest number of students obtaining bachelor-equivalent science degrees worldwide.
  2. The no. of science graduates at the master’s level drops to 2.9 lakh (25% of BSc graduates), and even further at the doctoral level, with only 6,000 science PhDs awarded each year.
  3. majority of bachelors-level science graduates in India graduate from State-affiliated colleges and universities, either via three-year BSc courses or integrated BSc-MSc programmes (4-5 years).
  4. 422 out of 1,113 universities in India are public universities managed by State governments in which science courses host the 2nd highest no. of students enrolments after arts.

Issues with the science education and training at State-affiliated colleges and universities:

  1. Largely outdated Curricula and course content in BSc and other integrated programs with syllabi not addressing the skillset and Knowledge of contemporary technologies.
  2. The courses offer insufficient practical training and inadequate, poorly-maintained laboratory facilities.
  3. Programmes encourage students to undertake external internships, but they can hardly substitute the rigorous curricular and practical training in laboratories.

Problems faced by the State-affiliated colleges and universities:

Lack of Autonomy in syllabus design, admission norms and exams

Problems faced by State-affiliated C0lleges & Universities

Insufficient Funding due to R&D neglect

Lack of continued upskilling training of teachers

Systematic Administrative problems

       
   
     
 

What needs to be done?

  1. Skill-based education with State-affiliated universities and colleges re-envisioned as hubs for skill-based science education.
  2. teaching, training, and research in the universities should align with employability in the scientific sector.
  3. BSc or integrated course curricula could focus on industry-relevant skills and certifications- programming, data analysis techniques, instrumentation and facility expertise, quality assurance, and benchmarking.
  4. Longstanding collaborations with industry-Academia via seminars, apprenticeships, interactions with expert faculty members, job fairs, and funding support.
  5. advancing education in regional communities, while building workforce-ready graduates – the community college and technical university models in the U.S. and Europe can be replicated in India also.

Source URL: Reimagining the role of state universities in science education

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS