Recently, an article that I read titled, ‘The Power of India: Top Indian-Origin CEOs Who Rule the World,’ simply echoed my thoughts! It discussed several CEOs of world-renowned companies who share the same background and are of Indian origin.
As an educationist for over several decades, I have always been drawn to how appreciation for the Indian education system has grown worldwide. Well, a large part of this fame has been brought due to CEOs such as Sundar Pichai from Google, Satya Nadella from Microsoft, Shantanu Narayen from Adobe, Arvind Krishna from IBM, Ajay Banga, the President of World Bank and Sanjay Mehrotra from Micron Technology. I have been genuinely amazed that many come from humble backgrounds but are brought together because they have pursued education till their undergraduate years in India.
While, of course, their hard-work, dedication and the will to succeed cannot be taken away from them, I would give some credit to the Indian education system which is distinct in several ways compared to systems in other countries.
Traditionally, the Indian education has focused heavily on memorization and rote learning. Students often learn by repetition rather than through critical thinking. While many criticise the system of rote learning, I personally feel it actually helps in building a strong memory. Moreover, there is intense competition among students, particularly in higher education, to enter prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This competition starts early, with significant pressure on students to perform well in exams, which augurs well for their success in later life.
In India, students typically choose a specific stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts/Humanities) after completing their 10th-grade examinations. This specialization often determines their career path and future educational opportunities and is well thought out. Undoubtedly, there is a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in the Indian curriculum, especially at the higher secondary and tertiary levels. The assessment in India also relies heavily on standardized exams, with major examinations like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and various state boards setting the benchmark for academic success. Also, in recent years, there has been a shift towards incorporating skill development and vocational training into the education system to better prepare students for the workforce.
One standout dimension is that the education system is influenced by cultural values and social expectations, including respect for teachers, family involvement in education decisions, and a reverence for academic achievement.
Many may argue that there is a notable disparity in educational standards between urban and rural areas and across different states. Infrastructure, quality of teaching, and access to resources can vary widely. However, this disparity makes students more adaptable and this quality also helps them later in corporate life when adaptability, flexibility are hallmarks of success in climbing up the ladder!
Therefore, the Indian education system remains unique, reflecting both its strengths and challenges in meeting the diverse educational needs of a vast and complex country. Given the success of many who have rolled through this system and made a mark and also with the recent New Education Policy bringing in innovative aspects in the Indian education system, I am sure the Indian education system will become even stronger in the coming years.