Education is the foundation of each individual’s life and the primary building block to creating a career in any desired field. Education in India is quite different from that in more developed countries, which impacts the learning experiences and career prospects of students. India has a huge focus on theory-based education, which is not beneficial for all students alike, and it falters in providing the level of practical learning and hands-on experience that most foreign countries do. By understanding these primary differences, students and parents alike can make informed decisions on the system that best suits their preferences and capabilities. Let us take a look at an in-depth comparison of the Indian education system with that of the foreign countries on various parameters.
Curriculum Structure
India:
The Indian education system follows a structured and uniform curriculum, mainly shaped by the central and state education boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). The syllabus is mostly theoretical, heavily focused on subjects like mathematics and science, and relies heavily on rote learning.
Foreign Countries:
As opposed to education in India, many Western countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Finland, have flexible curriculums. For example, in the U.S., students can choose from a wide range of subjects and study only the ones they are interested in or are good at. In Finland, the curriculum is well-rounded and balances theoretical subjects with practical skills.
Teaching Methodologies
India:
In Indian schools and colleges, traditional lecture-based teaching is the norm. Teachers are the main source of knowledge, and students are made to receive information passively. The 2018 survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) found that over 60% of Indian schools still rely on traditional teaching methods without the use of technology. Students in India are predominantly evaluated on their ability to memorise and reproduce the subject matter in exams.
Foreign Countries:
On the other hand, modern teaching methods are more common in many foreign education systems. The U.S. has a student-centric approach that promotes learning through discussions, projects, and other group activities. Finnish schools use personalised learning plans for student needs. Assessment methods in foreign countries are more comprehensive. They comprise a continuous assessment plan that includes assignments, project work, presentations, and classroom participation. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores often reflect the effectiveness of these methods, with countries like Finland and Canada performing well consistently.
Higher Education and Research Opportunities
India:
With over 900 universities and 40,000 colleges, India has one of the largest numbers of institutions for higher education. However, the quality of education is not consistent among these. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are considered top-tier. Compared to its high number of institutions, India’s contribution to the world of research is very low, with only a 3.5% contribution to the world’s research publications, according to the Scimago Journal & Country Rank 2021.
Foreign Countries:
Higher education in European countries and the U.S. is known for its research-centric approach. Popular global universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Oxford dedicate large amounts of funding and resources to research. In 2021, the U.S. contributed nearly 27% of the world’s research publications. Students abroad are encouraged to engage in research activities early in their academic careers, paving the path to greater research contributions in higher education.
Use of Technology
India:
Urban schools and colleges in India are increasingly adopting digital tools, but rural areas are far behind due to insufficient infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid shift to online learning in the country, despite only 24% of Indian households having internet access, according to the National Sample Survey 2017-18.
Foreign Countries:
In many developed countries, technological integration in education is more advanced. Schools and universities in places like South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. use cutting-edge technology for interactive learning, virtual classrooms, and online resources. The use of AI, VR, and other technologies to enhance learning experiences is common in these countries.
Cost of Education
India:
Education in India is more affordable compared to many foreign countries, depending on the type of institution. Schools and colleges funded by the government charge lower fees, making education accessible to the lower strata. Annual fees for a bachelor’s degree in a government college can range from just INR 10,000 to INR 50,000, compared to private institutions, especially those offering professional courses where annual fees range from INR 2 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs.
Foreign Countries:
The cost of education is considerably higher in foreign countries, especially in private universities. In the United States, the average annual tuition fee for a private college is around $35,000, whereas public universities charge in-state students about $10,000. Annual tuition fees for international students can range from £10,000 to £38,000 in the UK.
Career Opportunities
India:
Owing to the large population, career opportunities in India are diverse. Sectors like IT, engineering, and medicine are major employment generators. Recently, there has been growth in fields such as digital marketing, data science, and renewable energy. Government jobs are still very highly sought after for their stability and benefits. However, they require candidates to clear several tough exams and interviews. According to the India Skills Report 2021, only about 45% of graduates are considered employable.
Foreign Countries:
In contrast to India, many foreign countries offer a vast job market. Internships during education in foreign countries help students gain hands-on experience, which makes them more employable. U.S. and Canada have cooperative education programs where students can alternate academic terms and full-time work. However, international students may face additional problems as compared to natives, such as visa restrictions and work permits. Nevertheless, the global recognition of degrees from reputed foreign institutions often gives graduates an edge in the international job market.