“Our goal is to make this decade a tech decade – Techade” -Narendra Modi
Dr. Vishal Sharma
The National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) recognizes that the Internationalization of Higher Education is vital, serving as the foundation for India’s education system. The government of India has successfully implemented this policy, acknowledging the rapid transformation of the world into a knowledge-based society. With technological advancements, including AI and machine learning, potentially replacing unskilled jobs, the NEP envisions an education system deeply rooted in Indian ethos. Its objective is to contribute directly to the sustainable transformation of India or Bharat, into an equitable and dynamic knowledge society. The NEP aims to achieve this by providing high-quality education for all, positioning India as a global knowledge superpower.
India has the world’s largest population, and a higher education system that is home to over 4.13 crore students. However, despite the size and scale of India’s higher education system, there is a significant brain drain problem. For example, in pursuit of quality education and entrepreneurial training, a significant number of Indian students-approximately 6.5 lakh-opted to enroll in foreign universities in 2022. The brain drain problem is a major challenge for India. It is costing the country billions of rupees each year, and it is depriving India of some of its brightest minds. The brain drain problem is not just a financial loss for India. It is also a loss of talent and potential. The brightest minds in India are going abroad to study and work, and they are not coming back. This means that India is not benefiting from their skills, knowledge and expertise. There are a number of things that can be done to address the brain drain problem, but one of the most important is to internationalize higher education system by attracting foreign universities and students. But unfortunately, the current regulations prohibit foreign universities from establishing branches in India.
The Indian government has published a draft regulation in January 2023, that would allow foreign universities to set up branch campuses in India. The draft regulation sets a broad framework for the establishment of foreign university branches in India, and it specifies that target universities should be among the top 500 universities in the world, either overall or in their field.
During the recent visit of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, he emphasized the need to strengthen the strategic partnership between Indian and American universities in the field of higher education and research. He also presented a five-point proposal to enhance Indo-US collaboration in the education and research sectors, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach involving governments, academia, and industry, as well as promoting student and teacher exchanges. As India prepares to welcome foreign universities, the joint task force has been set up, comprised of academic leaders from India and the United States, has recommended the establishment of joint research institutions and the expansion of student-based research collaboration between the two countries. One of the outcomes of the joint task force, as highlighted in the joint statement following the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on June 23, 2023, is the interim recommendation to establish dedicated offices within their respective diplomatic outposts of India and the United States. These offices would help to facilitate the establishment of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) in each other’s countries.
The task force’s report also includes nine additional recommendations, which encompass expanding research collaboration among students, creating more internship and apprenticeship opportunities for both Indian and American undergraduate and graduate students, as well as facilitating multi-year, multiple-entry visas for Indian students, scientists, and exchange visitors to enhance faculty exchanges, increase participation in meetings, and expedite student enrollment. Overall, these recommendations aim to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, foster academic cooperation, and provide valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members. The recommendations are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) of India, which aims to internationalize India’s higher education system.
How this decision is a game changer for Internalization of Higher Education:
Opportunities at the doorstep: The establishment of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) in India will provide Indian students with access to world-class opportunities at a more affordable rate within their own country.
Attract foreign investment and boost the economy: The establishment of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) can attract foreign investment in India. This can help to create new jobs and boost the Indian economy.
Increase competition and improve quality: Foreign universities setting up campuses in India will bring advanced teaching methods, research opportunities, and international exposure for students. It will increase competition in the Indian higher education sector and force Indian universities to improve their quality of education in order to attract students.
Bring new ideas and improve curriculum: Foreign universities can bring new and innovative ideas to the Indian higher education sector. This can help to improve the curriculum of Indian universities and make it more relevant to the needs of the 21st century workforce.
Vocational and Skill Education: India can leverage the benefits of well-established skill & vocational ecosystem of the United States. By adopting best practices from the US skill and vocational education system, India can enhance its own vocational and skill education programs.
Give global exposure: Foreign branch campuses will give Indian students the opportunity to study and interact with students from all over the world. This can help them to develop a global perspective and become more competitive in the global job market.
Enhance research output: Foreign branch campuses can help to enhance research output in India by collaborating with Indian universities and research institutions. This can lead to the development of new technologies and solutions that can benefit the Indian economy.
The establishment of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) in India holds tremendous potential for the country, despite the fact that it may take considerable time to fully implement these initiatives. It is important to remember that great things often require patience and perseverance. Even if a limited number of universities were to establish their presence in India, it would open up a plethora of scholarship opportunities for our students. Moreover, the influx of foreign universities would attract a diverse cohort of international students, thereby restoring India’s historical reputation as a thriving, globally recognized educational hub, a status historically bestowed upon us from our Takshashila & Nalanda days. With careful planning and meticulous execution, India can successfully achieve its vision of becoming a global knowledge superpower.
(The author is HOD Electronics, MAM College, Cluster University of Jammu and Fulbright Climate Fellow, USA)
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