There has been a notable surge among Indian students to pursue higher education overseas. According to a report by the Bengaluru-based Redseer Strategy Consultants, the number of Indian students opting to study abroad is expected to reach approximately 1.8 million by 2024. Recent government data presented in Parliament also underscore this trend, revealing a 68% rise in the number of Indian students seeking higher education abroad: 750,365 Indian students went abroad for higher education in 2022; the figure was 444,553 in 2021.
This surge is attributed to various factors. High unemployment rates have driven many Indian students to view education abroad as a pathway to enhancing their employability and securing better-paying jobs. Furthermore, concerns persist about the overall quality of education within the country. Outdated curricula, limited research opportunities, overcrowded classrooms, and inconsistent teaching standards have led to students flocking to foreign universities.
This upward trend in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad raises valid concerns. When highly-educated individuals leave, it leads to a significant loss in human capital. India invests substantially in educating its youth. But if a substantial portion of this investment benefits other countries, it can hinder India’s progress. The flight of Indian talent abroad can also reduce research and innovation within India, hampering the country’s ability to produce cutting-edge technologies and discoveries.
According to a report on global migration patterns by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Indian students studying in economically advanced nations show a higher tendency to stay back and become part of the local workforce. This further undermines India’s investments in the education sector.
Sometimes, the education and the skills acquired by Indian students abroad may not be aligned with the needs of the Indian job market. This mismatch causes underutilisation of their talents upon returning to India, limiting their contribution to development.
Studying abroad is expensive; Indian students and their families thus bear a significant financial burden. Indian students spend a significant $28 billion annually on overseas education; this is equivalent to 1% of India’s GDP. Of this substantial amount, around $6 billion is directed towards tuition fees for foreign universities. This massive outflow of funds can contribute to an imbalance in the nation’s financial resources.
An extended stint abroad can also result in a loss of cultural and social connection with India. This disconnect may lead to a reduced sense of responsibility and engagement with India’s societal and economic challenges.
How does one tackle brain drain?
Enhancing the quality of education in India is crucial. Investment in research, modernising curricula, improving teaching standards, and raising the number of quality higher education institutions can reduce the pressure on students to study abroad. Promoting public-private partnerships and encouraging foreign universities to establish Indian branches are necessary. The government should also focus on creating a robust job market by promoting entrepreneurship, attracting foreign investments, and supporting industries that provide employment opportunities. Arresting the decline in academic freedom can help stem the outflow of students. For this, the autonomy of educational institutions must be held sacrosanct.
The aspiration of Indian students to pursue higher education abroad is commendable. But it is essential to consider the broader implications of this trend.
