BhaA large percentage of STEM graduates from regional institutions lack the necessary skills, which hinders industry and research progress. The focus on research output to boost institutional rankings has led many teachingintensive institutions to prioritize publishing papers and patents in often lowquality outlets, placing an excessive burden on faculty at many institutions, with little time for professional development. There is little time or incentive. Faculty recruitment is often localised, limiting diversity of academic performance and perspective. Initiatives such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence require skilled professionals, but these initiatives are at risk of underutilization due to limited qualified personnel and inadequate training infrastructure. The current structure does not facilitate exchange of resources, curriculum or faculty, thereby reinforcing the divide between education and research. With its rich history of contribution to science, mathematics and technology, India is now at a critical juncture. Where technology is playing an important role in shaping the future of education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the country. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the inclusion of technology in education has become not just a trend but a necessity. Technology facilitates collaboration between students and teachers.
Online platforms and tools enable realtime collaboration on projects, encouraging teamwork and communication skills. These collaborative experiences reflect the collaborative nature of scientific and technological advancements in the professional world. While integration of technology in education brings many benefits, it also brings challenges that need to be addressed for widespread change. The digital divide remains a significant concern, with inequalities in access to technology and the Internet. Bridging this gap is important to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have equal opportunities to benefit from the use of technology.
Teachers also need adequate training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods. Providing continuing professional development opportunities for teachers ensures that they are well equipped to understand the use of technology. Additionally, the ethical use of technology in education, including data privacy and security, should be prioritized. Implementing security measures to protect students' personal information and ensuring ethical practices in the development of education technology tools are important steps. By separating the evaluation of teachingfocused institutions from research metrics, rankings can reflect teaching quality over research output, thereby reducing the pressure on these institutions to pursue lowquality research.
Educational institutions should give priority to pedagogy over research, especially in the formative years, to strengthen foundational skills. A dedicated “teaching track” could be introduced, allowing faculty members interested in pedagogy to advance based on their teaching skills rather than research output alone. Research institutions can partner with educational institutions to create joint degree programs, enabling highperforming students to complete their studies at researchfocused institutions. An example of this approach is the collaboration between NIT Surat and IIT Bombay, which allows students to complete advanced studies at a premier institution.
Government funding should be directed towards setting up centers of excellence in pedagogy within educational institutions. These centers will serve as hubs for teacher training, curriculum development, and best practices in STEM education, leading to systemic improvements without requiring large additional resources. The challenges facing India's higher education institutions demand a multipronged approach that includes curriculum modernization, research funding, faculty development and diversity initiatives. Policy reforms, supported by increased government and industry collaboration, can create a more dynamic, industryaligned and inclusive STEM ecosystem.
The education system in India faces many challenges, including unequal access to education, outdated curriculum and inadequate funding. However, despite these challenges, the number of wellrespected universities and colleges in the country is increasing and the government has made significant progress in addressing the challenges facing the education system. With continued investment in education, India has the potential to become a leading center of learning and knowledge and provide quality education to all its citizens.
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