The Silent Collapse of Indian Education

Experts argue that India’s education system suffers from a “quantity over quality” problem. While school enrollment rates have soared, thanks to initiatives like the Right to Education Act, learning outcomes remain abysmally low

Dr. Viswanath Pandey

India, a country with one of the world’s largest youth populations, faces an alarming educational crisis that threatens its future. Despite constitutional mandates and numerous reforms, the education system’s disparity in access, quality, and outcomes persists. At the heart of this crisis lies a lack of alignment between policy ambitions and ground realities, leaving millions of students grappling with systemic failures.

Experts argue that India’s education system suffers from a “quantity over quality” problem. While school enrollment rates have soared, thanks to initiatives like the Right to Education Act, learning outcomes remain abysmally low. As economist Usha Sunil says, “A classroom is only as effective as the teacher within it. Yet, in India, poorly trained teachers and rote learning methods dominate.” According to a recent ASER report, over 50% of fifth-grade students struggle to read second-grade texts. This alarming gap highlights the urgent need for qualitative investment in teacher training, curriculum design, and infrastructural upgrades.

Adding to the woes is the inequitable distribution of resources. Rural schools often lack basic amenities like toilets, clean drinking water, or functional classrooms. The digital divide further exacerbates this inequality. While urban schools swiftly transitioned to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, their rural counterparts lagged behind, exposing the stark gap in digital infrastructure. As political commentator P. S. Krishnan aptly puts it, “The pandemic turned an already uneven playing field into an impassable chasm.”

The crisis extends beyond primary and secondary education. Higher education institutions in India face criticism for being out of sync with the needs of the modern workforce. Graduates often leave universities with degrees that fail to equip them for employment. A National Employability Report revealed that nearly 80% of engineering graduates are deemed unemployable due to inadequate practical skills. This skill gap not only hinders individual aspirations but also poses a significant barrier to India’s economic growth.

Adding tension to this scenario is the political tug-of-war over education policies. Frequent curriculum changes based on ideological agendas and a lack of long-term strategic vision disrupt the sector’s progress. Meanwhile, rampant privatization has made quality education a privilege rather than a right. Private schools and universities often cater to the affluent, leaving marginalized communities to depend on underfunded public institutions.

To address these challenges, India must prioritize systemic reforms. Investment in teacher training programs, bridging the digital divide, and aligning higher education with industry needs are essential steps. Policymakers must ensure that education is treated as a public good, accessible to all irrespective of socioeconomic status. Only through such measures can India hope to transform its education system into a robust engine of growth and equity.

As India navigates this educational crisis, it stands at a critical crossroads. Will the nation rise to the occasion and harness the potential of its youth, or will systemic neglect continue to stifle generations to come? The answer lies in collective action and a steadfast commitment to reform—a call that can no longer be ignored.

India, often celebrated for its demographic dividend and its potential as a knowledge-based economy, faces a paradoxical crisis in its education sector. Despite having over 11 crore educators, the country struggles with over a million teacher vacancies, especially in rural and underserved regions. This glaring gap highlights systemic failures that threaten the nation’s aspirations for inclusive and equitable education.

At first glance, India’s teaching workforce of 11.3 crore appears robust. However, the NITI Aayog’s recent report exposes the grim reality of over one million teacher vacancies, disproportionately affecting rural areas. Schools in these regions often operate with just one teacher catering to hundreds of students, severely undermining individual attention and overall educational quality.

The pupil-teacher ratio (PTR), a critical indicator of educational quality, further illustrates the disparities. While India’s average PTR is 23:1, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh report alarming ratios of 45:1 and 29:1, respectively. Contrast this with Ladakh’s exemplary PTR of 7:1, and the regional inequities become stark. UNESCO’s 2021 report adds another layer of concern, citing PTRs exceeding 47:1 at the secondary level in some regions, making personalized instruction nearly impossible.

Inefficient recruitment processes exacerbate the teacher shortage. Delays in hiring and political interference in appointments often leave sanctioned positions vacant for years. Moreover, many recruited teachers lack adequate qualifications or training, further diluting the quality of education. Chancellor G. Viswanathan of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has highlighted these inefficiencies, urging a systemic overhaul. “Political parties in India must take the education sector seriously. Without addressing recruitment inefficiencies, we cannot hope to achieve our development goals,” he remarked. The New Education Policy’s (NEP) emphasis on teacher training is promising but remains insufficient without effective implementation and funding.

India’s expenditure on education has remained woefully low, fluctuating around 3% of GDP—far below the global benchmark of 6%. This year’s allocation dropped to 2.9%, signaling a lack of political will. Viswanathan criticized this trend, stating, “In the last 76 years of independence, education spending has never crossed 3% of GDP. Without prioritizing education, economic progress will remain elusive.”

Comparisons with advanced countries like the U.S. reveal significant gaps. In the U.S., universities receive funding from federal and state governments, industries, and alumni, ensuring robust infrastructure and quality education. In contrast, Indian institutions—especially public ones—struggle with limited resources, affecting both access and quality.

The disparity in educational outcomes between states underscores the systemic inequities. Southern and western states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, boast higher per capita incomes and better educational indicators, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag behind. Viswanathan pointed out, “Kerala’s per capita income is around $4,000, whereas Bihar’s is less than $1,000. The difference lies in education.”

This divide reflects the consequences of inadequate investment in education. While states like Kerala have consistently prioritized education, northern states have struggled with policy inconsistency and resource allocation. Political leaders often prioritize short-term electoral gains over long-term educational reforms, perpetuating the cycle of inequality.

Corruption remains a significant obstacle in India’s education sector. From recruitment scandals to the misappropriation of funds, systemic corruption undermines efforts to improve educational outcomes. Viswanathan aptly described corruption as a “national disease,” emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels. “Unless we exempt education from corruption, progress will be difficult,” he warned.

The lack of transparency in fund allocation and utilization often results in substandard infrastructure and inadequate learning resources. Additionally, political interference in educational policies and appointments compromises meritocracy and efficiency.

Addressing India’s Education Crisis

To tackle these systemic issues, a multi-pronged approach is essential:

1.      Increased Funding: Allocating 6% of GDP to education, as recommended by the NEP, is non-negotiable. This must be complemented by targeted investments in teacher training, infrastructure, and digital learning tools.

2.      Streamlined Recruitment: Transparent and efficient hiring processes are essential to fill existing vacancies. Leveraging technology to monitor and manage recruitment can minimize delays and ensure accountability.

3.      Focus on Rural Education: Special incentives, such as higher salaries and secure contracts, can attract qualified teachers to underserved areas. Improved infrastructure and living conditions in rural regions will also help retain talent.

4.      Strengthening Public Institutions: Enhancing the quality of government schools and colleges is critical to reducing dependence on private institutions. Public-private partnerships can also play a role in improving access and quality.

5.      Curbing Corruption: Strict monitoring mechanisms and punitive measures are necessary to address corruption. Public awareness campaigns can also encourage community participation in ensuring accountability.

6.      Learning from Global Best Practices: Adopting successful models from countries like the U.S. can provide valuable insights. For instance, diversifying funding sources and fostering industry-academia collaboration can enhance resource availability and educational outcomes.

Statistical Insights

 Reform is Priority

It is indeed surprising and concerning that, despite numerous educational reforms, the Indian government has failed to significantly improve student enrollment and retention in schools. One of the most glaring issues is the apparent lack of serious debate on this crucial topic within the Indian Parliament. The parliament, often referred to as the august house, has seemingly sidestepped in-depth discussions on the factors contributing to high student dropout rates and the severe lack of basic infrastructure in schools. This neglect has left many guardians disillusioned and hesitant to send their children to school.

One major factor contributing to this reluctance is the dire state of educational infrastructure across the country. Many schools lack proper classrooms, sanitation facilities, and teaching aids, which are essential for a conducive learning environment. When parents see these substandard conditions, their confidence in the education system erodes, prompting them to withdraw their children from school. This issue is exacerbated in rural and remote areas, where the government’s presence and intervention are often minimal. The result is a widening gap in educational opportunities between urban and rural students, further entrenching societal inequalities.

Moreover, the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential educational supplies such as pencils, erasers, cutters, and exercise books has added a significant financial burden on families. This tax policy is counterproductive, as it raises the cost of education for the already economically strained middle and lower-income households. Instead of making education more accessible, these taxes create additional barriers, making it harder for families to afford even the basic necessities required for their children’s education. This financial strain leads to a situation where many guardians, already struggling to make ends meet, are forced to prioritize survival over education.

The government’s approach towards education raises several critical questions. If the government is indeed serious about improving the education sector, why has it allowed such regressive policies to persist? Why hasn’t there been a concerted effort to address the root causes of high dropout rates and inadequate infrastructure? The introduction of NET 2022 was intended to streamline and standardize the process of qualifying teachers, but even this initiative has been riddled with issues such as paper leaks and exam mismanagement, further undermining trust in the system.

Experts argue that to bring about meaningful change, the government must focus on comprehensive education reforms that go beyond surface-level fixes. This includes investing in robust infrastructure, ensuring the availability of well-trained teachers, and revising tax policies to make educational supplies affordable. There should be a deliberate effort to address the systemic issues that deter parents from sending their children to school. Additionally, the parliament must prioritize education in its debates and policymaking. The future of the nation hinges on an educated populace, and neglecting this sector jeopardizes the country’s growth and development.

The Indian education system is in dire need of attention and reform. The government must address the infrastructural deficiencies, reconsider its tax policies on educational materials, and engage in serious parliamentary debates to find sustainable solutions. By doing so, it can ensure that education becomes a viable and attractive option for all families, thus securing a brighter future for the nation. The time for complacency has long passed; it is imperative that concrete actions are taken to overhaul the system and restore faith in the power of education.

India’s education sector stands at a crossroads. The systemic issues of teacher shortages, regional disparities, inadequate funding, and corruption demand urgent attention. As G. Viswanathan aptly stated, “To become an advanced country without education is impossible.” The government, political parties, and civil society must come together to prioritize education as a cornerstone of national development. Without decisive action, the dream of India as a developed nation by 2047 will remain an elusive aspiration.

(The author, former PRO of BHU, is renowned globally for his research book on Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya’s legacy).