World Bank Prescriptions and Structural Changes in Higher Education in India By Dr. Madhu Prasad

The crisis in higher education is endemic. Higher education requires to be greatly expanded – currently only about 10% of the relevant age group is engaged in higher studies. From 1950-51 to 2004-05, the number of universities increased from 28 to 348, colleges from 578 to 17,625. Although enrolment in higher education has registered a steep hike from 0.17 million to 10.48 million, in comparison the Chinese higher education system caters to nearly 23 million students. It is estimated that India needs at least 3,000 more post secondary institutions with an enrolment capacity of not less than 10,000 students to meet the increasing demand for higher learning. [Bhargava, P. (2006) `Knowledge and National Developement’, paper presented at the National Seminar on the Education Commission organized by NUEPA. New Delhi Dec. 2006] .............Read More