Sindhu has always been an exceptional student, excelling in equal measure both in academics and extracurricular activities. Her aspirations were clear: she wanted to attend one of India’s prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). But despite her strong performance in the JEE Mains, she faced the harsh reality of India’s highly competitive higher education landscape. The pressure was immense, with over 1.5 million students vying for just around 13,000 seats at IITs in 2023.
As her father, Mr. Vanchinathan, expressed his concerns, “While she did well in JEE Mains, she was not confident that she would be able to get high enough rank to get into the IITs. Hence, we decided to explore studying abroad.” After considering various options, Sindhu received offers from top international universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Goldsmiths University of London. She ultimately chose NUS, ranked 8th globally, to pursue Industrial Design and Biomedical Engineering, a field that truly sparked her interest.
Sindhu’s story is not a standalone. It is reflective of a growing trend where an increasing number of Indian students are opting to study abroad for undergrad due to the immense competition and limited opportunities in India’s higher education landscape.
The fierce competition in Indian universities
In India, it is common knowledge that gaining admission to a top undergraduate program is an exceptionally challenging feat. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), stands as one of the most rigorous and competitive entrance exams worldwide. In 2023, over 1.5 million students participated in the JEE Advanced exam, with only approximately 13,000 securing a spot at one of the IITs. This staggering competition means that even among high-achieving students, only around 0.87% manage to make the cut. For those who do qualify, securing a seat in the desired branch is far from guaranteed, as students often have to settle for alternative programs based on their ranks.
The entrance exam system in India offers minimal flexibility, with the results of a single exam often determining a student’s future academic and career trajectory. In this highly competitive scenario, students’ decisions are primarily dictated by ranks, rather than personal interests or aspirations. Even students who achieve high enough ranks to gain admission to premier IITs often end up compromising on their preferred branch of study. This pressure, compounded by the narrowing of choices, has prompted many students to explore alternatives, particularly pursuing education abroad, where opportunities tend to be more flexible and varied, and in fact, a more holistic approach to learning is emphasized!
Why parents are looking abroad
While the competition for seats at top Indian institutions is intense, the rigid structure of undergraduate programs at many Indian universities is also a significant factor driving students abroad. In contrast to global education systems prioritizing multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, India’s education system remains largely focused on rote learning. Studies suggest that 75% of students in India feel that their education lacks practical exposure, with 80% expressing dissatisfaction with the limited scope for creative problem-solving in their courses.
The fixed academic calendars at Indian universities, largely standardized across institutions, offer little room for students to engage in interdisciplinary studies or pursue their unique academic interests. For example, IITs, counted among India’s top universities, follow a fixed curriculum that offers little flexibility for students to explore subjects outside of engineering or technology.
Furthermore, many Indian institutions focus primarily on fields such as engineering, medicine, and management, leaving limited opportunities for students to explore a broader spectrum of subjects. This narrow academic focus often discourages students from pursuing their true academic passions, especially when compared to universities abroad, where diverse fields of study and a holistic education approach offer a more enriching experience.
Additionally, the state of research funding in India is often seen as inadequate when compared to global standards. In 2023, Indian universities received just 0.6% of GDP in research funding, a far cry from the 2.7% invested in research by top universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. While public universities in India receive government funding, the resources allocated to infrastructure, research, and faculty development are often limited.
For instance, the Indian government allocated ₹44,000 crore (approximately $5.3 billion) for higher education in 2023, whereas top U.S. universities like Harvard University and MIT individually received over $1 billion annually in private donations and research grants, in addition to substantial government funding. This stark difference in funding enables universities abroad to provide state-of-the-art research facilities, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge educational opportunities that are often lacking in Indian institutions, particularly at the undergraduate level.
All is not doomed on the Indian educational front, however, since new-age universities are adapting to international standards. These institutions, such as Ashoka University, Plaksha University, and Krea University, offer cutting-edge curricula, fostering critical thinking and entrepreneurship. By bridging traditional education gaps, they empower students with skills for global competitiveness and drive India’s knowledge economy forward.
Busting the myth
The growing number of Indian students studying abroad reflects a significant shift in how education opportunities are perceived. Kamesh’s story provides a compelling example. Despite a poor high school GPA marred by retests and mediocre grades, Kamesh secured admissions to several reputable Canadian colleges for his bachelor’s degree in computer science. This underscores that you don’t have to be a genius to study abroad. However, foreign education is not to be taken lightly either. It demands adaptability, critical thinking, and industriousness to navigate its challenges and make the most of the experience.
Succeeding in an international academic environment often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Unlike the rigid, exam-centric education system in India, foreign universities emphasize a more holistic approach, including assignments, presentations, and collaborative projects. These institutions expect students to engage actively with their coursework, think critically, and apply knowledge to solve real-world problems. This shift can be daunting for students accustomed to rote learning but also immensely rewarding for those willing to rise to the challenge.
Beyond academics, studying abroad involves navigating cultural differences, managing independence, and building resilience. Students must learn to adapt to a new environment, often far from their support systems, while managing their time effectively and balancing academic demands with personal responsibilities. These experiences foster personal growth but require perseverance, self-discipline, and a proactive mindset.
Kamesh’s journey highlights that studying abroad is not just an opportunity for high achievers but also for students who are determined to work hard and grow. His story serves as a reminder that while academic excellence can open doors, it is qualities like adaptability, effort, and critical thinking that determine success in the long run. Foreign education challenges students to go beyond their perceived limits and equips them with skills that prepare them for a dynamic, globalized world.
A global education for the future
The appeal of studying abroad is undeniable. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, a degree from a foreign university opens up a multitude of career opportunities in the global marketplace. It allows students to gain a competitive edge in their respective fields, with exposure to innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and cutting-edge research.
For students like Sindhu and Kamesh, the decision to study abroad has proven to be a life-changing one, offering not only a world-class education but also a broader worldview and career prospects. However, choosing the right study destination is crucial, and it requires careful planning, research, and understanding of the academic programs, funding opportunities, and cultural aspects of the destination.
Parents and students looking to pursue higher education abroad can benefit from professional guidance. As technology continues to shape the future of education, staying informed about global trends and new opportunities will help Indian students succeed in an increasingly competitive and globalized world. Studying abroad isn’t just about obtaining a degree; it’s about broadening one’s horizons, embracing new challenges, and preparing for a successful career in an ever-changing world.
Published - December 23, 2024 07:30 pm IST
