India's demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for national progress. With a youthful population comprising 68% of its populace, as highlighted in the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) State of World Population Report 2023, India stands at the threshold of a transformative journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Central to this vision is the role of education in harnessing the talents and aspirations of India's burgeoning youth. Therefore, a seamless integration between school education and university admissions becomes more crucial than ever in shaping this future.
The Telegraph Online Edugraph decided to closely examine the current state of education to provide our students with a clear and accurate roadmap for their future, especially given that the admissions season is underway. We have delved into the insights gleaned from a series of interviews with prominent figures in India's education sector and prepared a ground report.
It is through the perspectives offered by Partha Pratim Baidya, Headmaster of Jadavpur Vidyapith, a nationally renowned government sponsored Higher Secondary (HS) school affiliated to the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE); Fr Francis Jimmy Keepuram SJ, Principal of St Lawrence High School, affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), counted among the top schools in Kolkata; Meghna Ghoshal, the Principal of Aditya Academy, Dum Dum, a prime Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated school; Dr Snehamanju Basu, Registrar of Jadavpur University, a state university ranked 4th among top universities in India by NIRF 2023; and Prof (Dr) Debasis Das, Registrar of University of Calcutta, a public-state university, ranked 12th among the top universities in India in NIRF Rankings 2023; that we hope to explore how educational institutions are adapting to meet the evolving needs of India's youth.
Navigating Educational Trajectories: Insights from School Principals
The journey of shaping young minds begins in schools, where the crucial decision of selecting a stream post-class 10 sets the academic and career trajectory for students. Principal Fr Francis Jimmy Keepuram of St Lawrence High School, Kolkata, underscored the significance of clarity of vision in stream selection. He emphasised the shift away from traditional streams like Science, Commerce, and Humanities, stating, "The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages a multidisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to diversify their studies. At the plus 2 level, students have the flexibility to focus on subjects they excel in and are interested in, rather than being compelled to take subjects like Mathematics if they do not wish to." Partha Pratim Baidya, Headmaster of Jadavpur Vidyapith, aligned with this view and emphasised the necessity of contemporary subjects and career-oriented choices, highlighting “We organise numerous career counselling workshops and seminars where we invite experts from various fields to share their insights and experiences, enriching our students' understanding of different career paths.”
Adding depth to this perspective, Meghna Ghoshal, Principal of Aditya Academy, Dum Dum, advised students to choose subjects they are passionate about. “Completing a vast syllabus in a short period requires dedication, and pursuing a subject they enjoy will help them stay motivated and reduce frustration. Selecting a stream that aligns with their natural abilities will help avoid undue stress and potential underperformance,” she asserted.
Skill-Based Learning: Bridging School and University
The push for skill-based learning has emerged as a common thread binding the educational journey from school to university. Fr Jimmy Keepuram illustrated this with a relatable example, “For instance, a doctor needs to know how to run a business, so Commerce cannot be entirely excluded from their education. This is where the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach comes in.”
Meghna Ghoshal, corroborated this point by saying, “Take the example of teaching: a teacher might excel academically, but without the necessary teaching skills, they may not connect with students effectively,” thereby noting that individuals must be competent in applying their knowledge to meet industry demands.
As we transitioned from school to university, the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and skill-based education persisted. Dr Snehamanju Basu, Registrar of Jadavpur University, highlighted the institution's commitment to interdisciplinary studies through its Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Law, and Management (FISLM), which offers students a wide range of opportunities across disciplines at undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and research levels. This approach was echoed by Prof (Dr) Debasis Das, Registrar of Calcutta University as well, who emphasised, “In alignment with NEP 2020 we have integrated numerous skill-oriented topics into the curriculum across various disciplines, ensuring students are industry-ready by the time they complete their education."
Emerging Trends in Higher Education and Career Fields
The landscape of higher education and career fields is evolving, with a notable shift towards more diversified and career-oriented subject choices. Partha Pratim Baidya, Headmaster of Jadavpur Vidyapith, has observed a growing popularity of subjects like Economics, Statistics, and Mathematics (Eco-Stat-Math), as well as Nutrition paired with Chemistry, reflecting students' strategic approach to maximising their marks and future job opportunities. He further noted that WBCHSE has expanded its subject offerings at the plus 2 level under the new semester system. This includes subjects such as Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Psychology. As a result, more students from Science, Commerce, and Arts streams are opting for subjects aligned with contemporary career opportunities. This trend indicates a shift away from traditional subjects across all streams.
Interestingly enough, the Registrar of Calcutta University, Prof (Dr) Debasis Das, supported this trend, noting, “Traditionally, the highest number of applications is received for Science subjects, followed by Commerce and Humanities, respectively.” This aligns with the university's integration of skill-oriented topics into various disciplines, ensuring that students are well prepared for the demands of the job market.
Empowering Career Aspirations: A Unified Vision
The convergence of ideas from school principals and university administrators revealed a unified vision for empowering students' career aspirations. Fr Jimmy Keepuram and Partha Pratim Baidya emphasised the absolute importance of parental support during this journey, with Baidya reinforcing, "Parents should guide their children without imposing their expectations, ensuring the chosen career goals align with the child’s strengths." Fr Jimmy Keepuram shed light on the hard fact that, “Parent counselling sessions have become integral in today's education system. They must recognise that their children are growing up in a different world with unique challenges, and they may not always be the best source of advice for every situation.”
Meghna Ghoshal underscored a holistic approach to career planning, “Raising awareness about the value of all streams and ensuring interventions from higher education can help students understand that each field offers viable career opportunities.”
Dr Snehamanju Basu from Jadavpur University reinforced this by highlighting the institution’s partnerships with prestigious international institutions like the University of Exeter and others, thereby expanding international exposure and networking facilities through exchange programmes.
The Road Ahead: Unleashing India's Potential
Our ground report has revealed a vital connection between school education and university admissions. Insights from esteemed educators underscore the imperative of embracing a holistic, skill-oriented, and passion-driven educational system. While Science continues to attract many, the evolving landscape is opening up various options across all streams. But the real question is: How many students and parents are aware of these changes? Though a paradigm shift is underway at many elite institutions, its impact must permeate to the grassroots level for everyone to reap the fruits of it. Indeed, a transformative shift in mindset is also required, not only in students but also within the realms of parental guidance, educator practices, and policymaking. Only then can we progress towards building a truly inclusive and thriving society.
Watch this space for more in-depth analyses, expert insights, and student perspectives shaping the future of education in India!
