1. Overpopulation and Illiteracy

It is a matter of great disappointment that Indians of later generations failed to let themselves be inspired by such a glorious heritage. But the surprise loses much of its sheen when certain aspects of Indian society, like overpopulation and illiteracy, are analysed in detail. The achievements of the present-day Indians match favourably with those of people in advanced countries only in numbers, not in portion and content.

2. Meritocracy vs. Reservation Policies

In India, higher education suffers mainly owing to the tendency to overlook merit and talent while deciding eligibility for such education. Merit and talent are natural attributes. They may be prevalent widely, but their distribution among people is not uniform, both in nature and magnitude. 

In Indian society, however, higher education, or at least qualifications like a bachelor’s degree—there’s a craze among Indians to get them at any cost in order to acquire respectability in society. Thus, from being a means to pursue knowledge, education has been transformed into a device to acquire social status. Coupled with a change in the objective of higher education is the choice of corrupt means to compensate for poor eligibility—a fact that causes most of the ills that plague higher education.

3. Opportunities for Improvement

Of all the corrupt practices that are visible in the higher education scenario, favouritism and financial influence are the most damaging. Money and its ill effects are the most evident where admission is based on capitation. Money often compensates for poor performance or for failure in examinations.
Another major setback is the government’s policy on reservation.

The reservation policy was conceived to counter India’s peculiar socio-economic condition, in which a larger section of the population led a life of humiliation and deprivation. But in recent times, the reservation policy has become more of a vote bank!!!

4. Focus on Skill Development

Much of the scenario of higher education seems discouraging; hope for a turnaround should not be abandoned. Sincerity of purpose and single-minded dedication to realise it are all that we need to restore the glory of the country’s hoary tradition in the education system.

Such changes as are necessary can hardly be brought about quickly. Patience and perseverance in nurturing the changes will make them durable and meaningful.