Science and technology education in India has traditionally faced challenges, including limited access to practical learning opportunities due to a lack of quality resources, outdated curriculum, and an emphasis on rote learning and memorization. India has its own set of challenges, the biggest of them being low funding by Indian institutions. India’s research and development expenditure-GDP ratio is close to 0.7%, well below the world average of 1.8%. While India’s gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) is gradually increasing, reflecting the country’s efforts to boost its scientific and technological capabilities, there is room for improvement. Creating a supportive environment for young researchers to flourish requires concerted efforts from policymakers, research institutions, funding agencies, the commercial sector, and the academic community.
A large percentage of STEM graduates from Indian institutions lack the necessary skills, which hinders industry and research progress. A focus on research output to boost institutional rankings has led many teaching-centric institutions to prioritize publishing papers and patents, often in low-quality outlets. Faculty at many institutions are overburdened, with little time or incentive for professional development. Faculty recruitment is often localized, limiting academic performance and diversity of viewpoints. Initiatives such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence require skilled professionals, but these initiatives are at risk of being underutilized due to limited qualified personnel and inadequate training infrastructure. The current structure does not facilitate the sharing of resources, curriculum, or faculty, thereby reinforcing the divide between education and research. With its rich history of contributions to science, mathematics, and technology, India is now at a critical juncture where technology is playing a key role in shaping the future of (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in the country. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the integration of technology in education has become not just a trend but a necessity.
Technology facilitates collaboration between students and teachers. Online platforms and tools enable real-time collaboration on projects, encouraging teamwork and communication skills. These collaborative experiences reflect the collaborative nature of scientific and technological advancements in the professional world. While the integration of technology in education brings many benefits, it also brings forth challenges that need to be addressed for widespread transformation. The digital divide remains a significant concern, with inequalities in access to technology and the internet. Bridging this gap is crucial to ensure that all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, have equal opportunities to benefit from the use of technology. Teachers also need adequate training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods. Providing continuous professional development opportunities for teachers ensures that they are well equipped to understand the use of technology. Additionally, the ethical use of technology in education, including data privacy and security, must be prioritized. Implementing security measures to protect students’ personal information and ensuring ethical practices in the development of educational technology tools are important steps.
By separating the assessment of teaching-focused institutions from research metrics, rankings can reflect teaching quality over research output, thereby reducing the pressure on these institutions to pursue low-quality research. Teaching institutions should prioritize pedagogy over research, especially in the early years, to strengthen foundational skills. A dedicated “teaching track” could be introduced, allowing faculty members interested in pedagogy to advance based on their teaching skills rather than research output alone. Research institutions could partner with teaching institutions to create joint degree programs, enabling high-performing students to complete their studies at research-focused institutions. An example of this approach is the collaboration between NIT Surat and IIT Bombay, which allows students to complete advanced studies at a premier institution. Government funding should be directed towards setting up centers of excellence in pedagogy within teaching institutions. These centers would serve as hubs of teacher training, curriculum development, and best practices in STEM education, leading to systemic improvements without requiring large additional resources.
The challenges facing India’s higher education institutions demand a multi-pronged approach that includes curriculum modernization, research funding, faculty development, and diversity initiatives. Policy reforms, supported by increased government and industry collaboration, can create a more dynamic, industry-aligned, and inclusive STEM ecosystem. The education system in India faces many challenges, including unequal access to education, an outdated curriculum, and inadequate funding. However, despite these challenges, the country has a growing number of well-respected universities and colleges, and the government has made significant progress in addressing the challenges facing the education system. With continued investment in education, India has the potential to become a leading hub of learning and knowledge and provide quality education to all its citizens.