brainware

Living in the 21st century, we are active participants in shaping the world that is constantly evolving. While many things turn obsolete (such as the Telegram), we are also bombarded with newer concepts previously unheard of.

Here’s a path-breaking phenomenon that has transformed the educational scenario of India – the advent of private universities and its growing popularity across the country.

Some relevant questions –

  • What are private universities?
  • Is it a feasible option?
  • Are the degrees they issue recognized?
  • Do they offer better prospects?Let us dispel some of the doubts, and reshape your perceptions here.

Let’s begin by discussing what led to the arrival of private sectors in higher education.

Higher education in India is plagued by a number of shortcomings. The government faces many challenges –

  • Inability to invest heavily
  • Inadequate faculty
  • Poor infrastructure, and
  • Outdated curricula
  • Poorly-equipped labs and libraries

Government and govt. aided colleges and universities all face such challenges.

Globally, the private sector has played a key role in addressing them. In the US, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Austria, Korea, and lately even China, private institutions hold a commanding position. And India is no exception.

This is What India Today Says

According to India Today, career-conscious students and bright scholars are now choosing private universities because they are “tuned into the needs of changing times and come equipped with state-of-the art facilities…” such as Wi-Fi campuses, cloud computing based methods of study, Web based interactive programmes, well equipped labs, new and diverse curricula, interdisciplinary research facilities, job-oriented courses, international collaborations, multi-skilling, and and many more.

They provide a variety of professional disciplines alongside traditional ones. Specialized courses on   engineering, management, journalism, law, art, and design are also offered.

All these are helping India carve out a new identity on the global education map. And those sum up the need for private institutions in the country and justify their proliferation. Private players are not only reconstructing the education domain, but are eventually stealing a march over the traditional government, and government-aided institutions.

The Growing Private Sector in India

In India, the private sector has improved penetration and enrollment remarkably. Its share in higher education has increased from just 43% in 2001 to 63% of the total number of institutions in 2006-2007. The number of state private universities rose to above 94 in 2011 from just 6 in 2005-2006 (Sources: UGC, MHRD).

  • In 2016, there are 45 central universities, 329 state universities, and 207 private universities.
  • 65% of higher educational institutes are in the private sector.

This expansion is matched with the explosion of students’ enrollment.

  • 60% of college students are enrolled in private universities.
  • The Indian education industry that was worth $ 62.34 billion in 2013-14 is expected to double up by 2018 and reach $ 115 billion. (Source: India Today)

The figures are growing with every passing year. Like schools, many students now prefer private colleges and universities, for several valid reasons.

Private universities in India are regulated by the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003, and issue degrees that are recognized by different industries.

To encourage greater private sector participation, the central and state governments have relaxed regulatory frameworks, without compromising on quality.

  • Currently, there are 78 private universities in the north, 58 in the west, 22 in central India, 39 in the east, and 10 in the south.
  • Brainware, Manipal Education Group, BITS Pilani, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, and Symbiosis International University are some of the most popular names.

Students From Other Countries

Private universities in India are becoming popular among students from the neighboring countries as well. Take the example of West Bengal, a premier educational hub of the nation, where scholars from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are coming over to experience a whole range of newer possibilities. It’s an entirely new world to them.

According to The Economic Times, private universities in India are fulfilling the demand for quality higher education. Additionally, they are breaking conventional paradigms in education and establishing international standards of excellence. They are also connecting students to the world of shiningly bright careers, in India and abroad.

Now think wisely. Would you still choose a conventional institute? And settle for an ordinary career? I guess it’s time to move on. Your desire to be the best, to create your identity, and challenge conventions is possible only at a modern university. And private universities embody that excellence. Because what you acquire is more than just degrees!

Choose pragmatically…choose to be future ready.

All the best!