Higher Education in India: Quality, Relevance, and Institutional Responsibility

Dr. B. C. Rai

Abstract: Higher Education in India comprises tertiary education in three tier education system and includes academics in UG, PG, vocational, and technical education and scholarship. Its status in world is third, the second being China and first USA. Higher education plays a decisive role in shaping research capacity, employability, and societal progress. In the Indian context, despite a strong global standing in terms of scale, concerns continue to surface regarding quality, relevance of curricula, employability outcomes, and the weakening link between education and meaningful skills. This article reflects on the structure and scope of higher education in India, situating it within global perspectives while examining systemic challenges such as outdated syllabi, poor sequencing of learning, limited access to resources, declining emphasis on laboratory demonstration, and fragile research ecosystems. Drawing attention to lived academic realities, the discussion highlights the need for curriculum restructuring, strengthened institutional resources, research exposure for teachers, better alignment with employment pathways, and a healthier work culture. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging universities, using Patliputra University as a developing case, to illustrate both limitations and potential. The article argues for a shift from individual-driven excellence to institutional responsibility, where coordinated policy support, inter-institutional collaboration, and targeted funding can enable a genuine renaissance in higher education and restore its role as a driver of competence, innovation, and ethical growth.

Keywords: higher-education system, quality of education, curriculum reform, research infrastructure, employability

How to Cite?: Dr. B. C. Rai, "Higher Education in India: Quality, Relevance, and Institutional Responsibility", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 18-20, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26114160803, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26114160803