India, 18 November 2024, New Delhi: Deloitte India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has released the 12th Annual Status of Higher Education (ASHE) Report 2024, highlighting significant transformations in India’s higher education sector. The report calls for policy reforms, digital integration, and advanced skill-development programs to bridge the gap between academics and industry needs. Key findings underscore the entry of foreign universities into India, which promises to raise educational standards and expand opportunities for Indian students. It also stresses the need for an outcome-based education model, aligning academic programs with global job market demands, and advocates for dual degree programs that allow students to earn qualifications from both Indian and international institutions, enhancing flexibility and global exposure.
The report also discusses two crucial frameworks: the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF). The NHEQF aims to standardize qualifications, increasing global credibility, while the NCrF facilitates credit transfers between institutions, allowing more flexible and personalized learning pathways. Together, these frameworks create a more standardized, globally competitive education system, supporting cross-border collaboration and reinforcing India’s role as a global education leader. The report includes data from India and state profiles in higher education.
Key Highlights of the ASHE 2024 Report
Global Expansion and Educational Exchange: India’s higher education sector is expanding internationally, with Indian universities establishing campuses abroad and top foreign institutions entering the Indian market. This shift enhances opportunities for cross-border research, faculty exchange, and collaborative learning, strengthening India’s presence in the global education ecosystem.
Policy and Framework Advancements – NHEQF and NCrF: These frameworks promote flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and skill-based education, allowing students to customize their educational paths with diverse entry and exit options and integrate vocational training with formal academics.
Dual Degrees in Higher Education: UGC guidelines on dual degrees offer flexibility and cross-disciplinary learning, supporting the NEP 2020 vision. Students can pursue two degrees or a degree and diploma concurrently across approved institutions, fostering innovation and preparing students for diverse career paths and entrepreneurship.
Rankings and Quality Standards: The report examines accreditation systems like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), as well as global benchmarks, to enhance transparency and align Indian institutions with international standards.
Focus on Access, Inclusion, and GER Improvement: The report highlights the importance of expanding access to higher education and improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), suggesting steps to increase institutional capacity, create new educational opportunities, and support non-traditional learning pathways.
The ASHE 2024 report envisions a flexible, inclusive educational ecosystem that integrates technology and strengthens industry partnerships, equipping students with future-ready skills. Through these strategic shifts, India can enhance its global competitive edge and establish itself as a leader in education.
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