Now, more students look west

BANGALORE: Many Indian students are looking towards the West, particularly towards USA, to pursue higher education. A testimony to this is the fact that the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) saw a 43 per cent increase in Indian students taking the test in 2011. While some argue that it holds mirror to the shortcomings of the higher education system in the country, the 43 per cent increase is being looked at positively by educationists and academicians. “Indian students are looking at abroad universities because they have multiple options. It is progressive to see many Indian students seeking admission into American colleges, as students can measure themselves at a global level. They will know where they stand,” said Prof H A Ranganath, director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council. With 47,276 students in 2010 and 67,605 students in 2011, India has crossed China (63,086 students in 2011) from its position as the country with the most graduates seeking to pursue higher studies in the US. Dr M S Thimmappa, former Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor welcomes the increase in the number of Indian students looking at America. “I don’t think it is a matter of concern. We must understand that Indian students today are more interested in getting quality education, which is largely unavailable here. Moreover, students who go abroad seem to come back, thanks to the rapid growth of the private sector here,” he said.Noted educationist and founder of Sa-Mudra Foundation Prof K E Radhakrishna calls it ‘inevitable.’ He said, “India has a large youngest educated population, compared to Europe or China. Students not only go for education, but for employment also. Considering the large educated population we have, India is supplying the required workforce to the global world. It is a positive development.”