45Received 30.07.2024. Revised 12.12.2024. Accepted 25.12.2024.
Acknowledgements. The publication was supported by MGIMO University “Priority‑2030” Programme.
Abstract. The article provides a detailed analysis of various aspects of India’s system of education, including school, higher and vocational education. The authors state that since independence, India’s economic visions have emphasized education as a key factor of the country’s development, and various Indian politicians sought to contribute to education of the Indian population. The paper studies the institutional framework, management and regulation features, quantitative and qualitative measures of the system, as well as its major achievements, noting in particular the significant improvement in the literacy rate of the Indian citizens, enrolment rates in schools and higher education institution, education coverage at different levels and the growing skills of the labour force. The emphasis is made on India’s strategic policy documents, particularly National Education Policy 2020, aimed at overcoming problems in the education sector. The authors point out that despite all positive developments, today India faces a wide range of challenges in the educational sphere. Specifically, the mean years of schooling is at a low level; a large number of schools lack appropriate infrastructural facilities, as well as qualified teachers; the average quality of education leaves much to be desired; discrepancy between labour supply and demand (regarding highly skilled labour force in particular) is very high due to outdated and inflexible education system. Besides, India has to cope with persistent regional, social, gender, religious and caste inequalities, in addition to funding shortages and inadequate regulation. The authors come to the conclusion that education will remain a key to India’s becoming one of the leading world powers. The South Asian giant has great development potential primarily due to vast human resources, but to leverage this demographic dividend it should address a number of significant shortcomings and overcome pressing social, regulatory, financial and infrastructural challenges that are still acute. Otherwise, the dividend may turn into a burden that will become an obstacle to India’s rise.
Keywords: India, school education, higher education, vocational education, National Education Strategy 2020, educational infrastructure, university landscape
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