Madrasa Education in Southern Assam: An Analytical study

The research identifies orthodoxism and outdated syllabi as significant contributors to the backwardness of Madrasah education, with over 80% of institutions adhering to traditional curricula without modern subjects since the 18th century.

The curriculum in Madrasahs primarily focuses on religious studies with minimal integration of secular subjects, contrasting to mainstream education that emphasizes a balanced curriculum; in 1996, only 20% of Madrasahs introduced modern subjects like Mathematics and Science.

Both government and non-government agencies are crucial for supporting Madrasah development, with the government providing financial aid since 1965, aiding 9 initial Madrasahs in Assam, while non-government efforts largely rely on local community donations.

The study recommends including vocational courses, Mathematics, English, and contemporary Islamic studies to enhance the educational prospects of Madrasah students, addressing their inability to compete with mainstream subjects.

The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 14 Madrasah students with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions to explore educational challenges and modernization perspectives.