Higher Education in India in the Era of Globalization:Some Reflections

This paper highlights the importance of quality in higher education in India in the context of globalization, but provides insights to the current ground realities of higher education with focus on higher technical education system in terms of quality and reach. Demographic dividend potential may be an opportunity lost, if issues of excellence, equity and employability are not seriously addressed. Indian higher education system has to come out of mediocrity syndrome and focus on balanced approach towards quality, access, governance, regulatory framework research and development, faculty quality and commitment, funding and employability in a global perspective. There is a need to look at the entire educational system in a holistic perspective as an "Academic Supply Chain" and address issues of information distortions at different stages of supply chain leading to 'bull-whip' effect like phenomenon in the planning and design of educational processes and systems. It also examines the socio-economic implications of 'hype' created around few 'elite' centers of excellence, whether it is being overdone manifesting the 'Matthew Effect ' leading to ever-increasing 'gap' in the funding and public perception of 'over-hyped' institutions. A suggested road map for availing opportunities of globalization and Indian demographic profile and rich innovative talent, to develop a balanced higher education system, is outlined.