Modi's Third Term: Transforming India's Higher Education Landscape and Global Engagement

As India stands on the brink of a pivotal moment in its history, the potential re-election of Shri Narendra Modi for a third term as Prime Minister on June 4, 2024, brings with it a critical juncture in public policy. The challenge before the Modi government is clear: with six to seven million young people entering the workforce annually, the National Education Policy (NEP) must effectively address education and employment to leverage India's demographic dividend.

The BJP’s vision, termed ‘Modi ki guarantee,’ for this prospective third term is ambitious: to transform India into a developed nation and the world’s third-largest economy by 2047, marking a century since independence. Central to this vision is enhancing youth employment through robust educational reforms. This raises the question: what can we anticipate from Modi’s likely third term concerning higher education, particularly regarding opportunities for foreign universities and education providers?

A key pillar of Modi's third-term agenda is the reform and internationalisation of India's higher education system, as outlined in the NEP. Success in this endeavor could propel India’s economy forward, creating vast employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth and boosting GDP. Conversely, failure could lead to social unrest, political instability, and economic setbacks.

Opening India to international universities aligns with Modi’s vision of establishing India as a Vishwa Guru (world educator and leader). This ambition envisions India leading the Global South and becoming a major research and innovation powerhouse, driving long-term economic goals.

Internationalisation of higher education is crucial for two main reasons:

1. Foundation Laying During the Second Term: During Modi’s second term, significant groundwork was laid for the internationalisation of higher education, including regulations permitting the establishment of international branch campuses in India (November 2023). However, the implementation is still in its nascent stages, with key regulations yet to be fully operationalised.

2. Future Opportunities: Understanding how the University Grants Commission (UGC) will implement these ambiguous regulations is essential. Prospectus International identifies seven main opportunities for overseas universities during Modi’s third term:

- Trans-national Education (TNE) and International Branch Campuses (IBCs): Various forms of TNE will be encouraged, with a focus on initiatives that invest in the Indian Higher Education ecosystem.

- Skills and Employability: Prioritising skills in vital economic sectors such as infrastructure, digital technologies, high-tech manufacturing, space exploration, net zero, and Industry 5.0.

- EdTech and Online Education: Continued support for EdTech to expand educational access.

- Research Partnerships: Positioning Indian higher education at the forefront of global research to drive industrial strategy.

- Innovation and Start-ups: A sustained emphasis on fostering start-ups within higher education.

- Outbound Students: Addressing the demand for education and skills that cannot be met solely within India.

- Inbound Students: Welcoming international students, enhancing India’s educational appeal globally.

Over the next five years, significant opportunities will arise for international universities to engage with India. However, the Modi government has indicated reservations in two specific areas:

- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: The government is cautious about foreign curricula in these fields, preferring to highlight Indian cultural, social, political, and economic achievements over perceived post-colonial influences and external criticism of its democratic practices.

- Online Delivery: Online education is viewed primarily as a means to provide low-cost education to remote areas. Foreign universities will find more opportunities in offering micro-credentials and upskilling programs rather than traditional online degrees.

In conclusion, the coming years will be pivotal in shaping the Indian higher education landscape and how the world engages with it. Early movers among foreign universities and countries will likely set the agenda and enjoy more flexibility in exploring opportunities. To succeed, providers must adopt a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape, collaborate effectively with bodies like the UGC, and focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term gains.