International Education Spotlight: India
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India has roughly 1.4 billion citizens. It’s known for the bustling city of New Delhi, colorful saris, and tasty cuisine. I had the opportunity to visit a few years back and just loved it! I met international educators that moved their universities and students forward every day. Incredible India! But no more travel memories - let’s take a dive into the international education scene: Their education system, university system, and trends in international student mobility between India and the U.S.
Education System Overview
India mandates eight years of pre-high school. High school is another four years. The academic school year is from April to March. The major exam period is September/October and February/March. Subjects required are science, math, social studies, English/languages, and physical education in grades 9-10. In grades 11-12, students must choose one subject stream –sciences, business, or humanities. The “CBSE” is the India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) for students in grade 12. There is also the “CISCE”, the Indian School Certificate as a national school leaving exam.
University System Overview
India’s publicly funded higher education system is the third largest in the world! It includes both private and public universities. Public universities are supported by the Government of India and the state governments, while private universities are mostly supported by various bodies and societies. India has over 1000 universities, with a break up of 54 central universities, 416 state universities, 125 deemed universities, 361 private universities, and 159 Institutes of National Importance.
International Education Snapshot
In 2021, there were about 167,600 Indian students studying in the U.S. The United States is the top choice for Indian students seeking international education opportunities. About 1,800 U.S. Study Abroad students were in India.
Students in the U.S. by Academic Level
- Undergraduate 14.2%
- Graduate 41.1%
- Non-degree 0.8%
- OPT 43.9%
Top Five Receiving States
The top five receiving states of international students from India are California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts.
Study Abroad
The number one destination to study abroad for Indian students is the United States, followed by Australia and Canada.
Recommendations
University Grants Commission (UGC)
National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
Association of Indian Universities (AIU)