Higher Education in India: An Overview and Opportunities for Foreign Participation

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the Indian higher education system, with a special focus on the current status and possibilities of foreign participation in the sector. It presents an introduction to higher education in India and discusses important systemic challenges in the sector, specifically problems of insufficient access, disparities between social groups and regions, and quality control. These problems stem from the lack of public investment and a flawed regulatory structure, leading to the rapid and unregulated growth of private provision. The paper focuses on the prospects for foreign education providers in India. It argues that the regulatory framework, by imposing high costs on institutions, tends to drive out legitimate actors and attract those interested in short-term gains. The Canadian experience is discussed with suggestions of possible ways in which Canadian actors can set the stage for collaboration with Indian institutions. It concludes by arguing that in the final analysis, foreign participation hinges on the regulatory system’s ability to successfully balance two conflicting objectives – building a world-class educational system, and ensuring that education remains a charitable activity that embodies national values and priorities.