According to the global education benchmarks released by the Centre for Global Education and Educational Research (CGEER) at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2018, India has emerged as the best country in the world with respect to its educational system.
The report evaluates 131 countries based on their educational systems using a scale of 1 to 5. It measures factors such as the availability of resources and infrastructure, access to quality education, student engagement, teacher quality, and gender parity.
This article will help you get acquainted with all things the educational system in India. In this article, we’ll discuss different things concerning the educational system in India such as school type or type of education in India. Read on to know more about what you have been missing all this time!
What is the difference between school and university in India?
In India, both schools and universities refer to the educational institutions where education takes place. While school is open to students between the age of 6 and 18, the university is open to anyone above the age of 21. Most Indian educational institutions offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses under the umbrella of a single university.
Schools may be affiliated with a central government department or a local body like a district or state government. Schools are usually funded by the government and are therefore free. Private schools are usually affiliated with a private body like a Kendriya Vidyalaya or a Sr. Sec. School. Some of the reputed schools in India include The Indian School, St. John’s, The Indian Shores School, Delhi, and The Indian Express Schools.
Types of Schools in India
There are three main types of schools in India. I. Central Schools: Central schools are government-run schools and are open to anyone who qualifies for admission regardless of gender, religion, or caste. Admission is based on an entrance examination conducted by the state government.
Students are required to wear uniforms, have classes from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and are required to adhere to a set of rules and regulations called the “Dontah’s”. II. Kendriya Vidyalayas: These are affiliated with the central government and are meant for gifted children.
Admission is through a merit-based entrance examination. Students are required to wear uniforms and are not allowed to play sports or take part in extracurricular activities. Teachers are government employees and are not allowed to engage in extra-curricular activities.
University in India
India has a large number of universities and colleges. Many of these are private institutions, but there are also some centrally sponsored or state-owned universities. India has a number of professional institutes that award degrees and certificates. The University Grants Commission in India is responsible for regulating higher education.
It sets standards for all universities and regulates fees charged by private universities. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has oversight of all educational institutes under the central government. State governments regulate universities, colleges, vocational institutions, and other higher educational institutions under the state government.
Key differences Between a College and a University
- There is no clear demarcation between a college and a university in India. The difference between a college and a university is based on the degree that is granted by the college or the university. In some states, colleges are also allowed to award degrees.
- The college has been used as a generic term for both technical/trade/polytechnic educational institutes and for degree-awarding colleges.
- Universities are mostly under the state government and are funded by the state government. Some of the universities are funded by the central government.
- A University is a higher educational institute that confers degrees and is under the government. Research universities are more autonomous in their functioning.
- A University Grants Commission is a statutory organization that acts as the regulator of higher education in India.
Key takeaway
The educational system in India is quite unique. There are no clear differences between a school and an institute of higher education, and both are treated as institutions of higher learning. The educational system in India is very diverse in nature, with both central and state governments running their respective systems.
There are many types of schools available in the country, depending on the preferences of the parents and students. Universities in India are also quite diverse in nature. However, the main difference between a college and a university lies in the degree that is granted by the university.
