Shitij Kapur on why India offers opportunities in educational partnerships 

News: Recently, Britain formalised a symbolic “self-isolation” through Brexit in 2020. However, despite the economic shocks that were anticipated from both the COVID and the nation’s withdrawal from the European Union, Britain attracted more Indian students to its shores during a pandemic. 

What is the nature of the UK-India relations wrt education?

Britain’s institutions have ongoing ties with Indian universities such as the Ashoka University and O P Jindal. They work on student partnerships and research projects. 

Factors behind more outmigration of Indian students to the UK during COVID

First, the United Kingdom has managed to keep colleges more accessible to students than some other places. 

Secondly, the UK has continued to provide quality education without the impact of Covid-19. The quality of education has not been sacrificed due to Covid-19 

Third, the relaxations have been granted in postgraduate work visa rules.  

Fourth, the UK government has made an announcement of a significant increase in spending on research budgets. 

What are the future prospects? 

The announcement of the National Education Policy (NEP), the designation of Institute of Eminence status to some universities would facilitate more international partnerships with the Indian Institutions.  

Recently, the Indian government introduced a common entrance exam for admissions to central universities in India. It will ensure a level of standardised assessment of the school outgoing students. 

The dual undergraduate degree is an attractive proposition. The world needs people who belong to more than one discipline. 

Source: The post is based on an article “Shitij Kapur on why India offers opportunities in educational partnerships” published in the Business Standard on 30th April 2022.