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Education in India
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India has been a centre of learning and the tradition of teaching goes back to thousands of years. A variety of subjects such as philosophy, religion, medicine, literature, drama and arts, astrology, mathematics and sociology were taught and masterpieces on these subjects have been written. Under the Buddhist influence, education was available to virtually everyone who wanted it and some world famous institutions arose out of the monasteries, such as, Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. Nalanda is especially noteworthy, flourishing from 5th to 13th century AD. It had at one time about ten thousand resident students and teachers on its roll, which included Chinese, Sri Lankan, Korean and other international scholars. During the mediaeval period, there was excellent interaction between Indian and Islamic traditions in all fields of knowledge, like theology, religion, philosophy, fine arts, painting, architecture, mathematics, medicine and astronomy. With 237 universities and thousands of colleges affiliated to them as well as many more specialized centres of learning and research in every subject and discipline, India can claim its position as one of the leading countries providing quality higher education to its people as well as to students and scholars coming from countries all over the world.Indian universities and institutes of higher education and research today have made a significant contribution to transmission of knowledge and enquiry into frontiers of science and technology. In the field of traditional subjects of arts |
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Higher Education System in India
The studies and disciplines cover a wide range of subjects from poetry to computer engineering to space research. Most of the universities and higher centres of learning and research are autonomous in function. A good number of universities have a federal structure composed of affiliated colleges on one tier and the university departments on the other. The affiliated colleges teach, in general, undergraduate courses, whereas the university departments conduct postgraduate teaching and advanced research. The university decides the criteria of admission into colleges and coordinates the first degree examination in the undergraduate programmes and award of degree. Some other types of universities teach both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in general disciplines as well as in technical and professional courses. There are no affiliated colleges attached to them. There is a third category of universities and institutions where technical and professional courses are taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Some institutes only offer postgraduate and research courses such as Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research.
The distinctiveness, flexibility and the quality of higher education in India have been attracting more and more international students to come to Indian universities. In contrast to the expensive university and higher education offered in the USA, in the western European countries or in Australia, higher education is still highly subsidised in India and therefore, affordable.
Courses and Degrees
Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate courses, in general, are of three years leading to the final
examinations. The universities and higher institutes award Bachelor's
degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, etc. However, undergraduate courses
leading to a first degree in professional subjects like Engineering, Medicine,
Dentistry and Pharmacy are of a longer duration ranging from four to five
and a half years.
Postgraduate Courses
Courses in Arts, Science and Medicine are of two years ending with a Master's
degree. For Engineering and Technology, it is of one and a half years.
In some specialised fields for instance, for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
degree, the possession of a Bachelor's degree in any other discipline
is required before admission can be obtained. Some universities and higher
institutes offer a diploma or a certificate course of shorter duration
in disciplines like Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Computer Technology.
The duration of these courses varies from university to university.
Eligibility for Admission
For admission to undergraduate courses, universities/institutes of higher
education in India require candidates to complete 12 years of schooling.
They should have passed in 5 subjects in the Senior Secondary or equivalent
examination. Candidates are expected to obtain 60-70% marks in their qualifying
examinations. For admission to undergraduate technical courses, candidates
should obtain, 75-80% in their qualifying examinations which should include
the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English. Admission
requirements to undergraduate pass courses are not very rigid. For technical
and professional courses at the undergraduate level, however, applicants
can be admitted against nominated seats/paid seats according to prescribed
guidelines. The universities in the country are autonomous and are free
to establish regulations of their own, related to acceptance of qualifications
from countries other than India. The Association of Indian Universities
(AIU) has been accepted as an accredited agency at the national level
for undertaking the assessment of foreign academic credentials.
Indian
universities do not give blanket recognition to the degree/ diploma/ certificate
awarded by foreign universities or educational boards. It is therefore,
advisable to apply for admission along with a copy of the syllabus of
the qualifying examination passed by an international student in his home
country. International students wishing to study at an Indian university
are advised to ascertain their eligibility from Indian diplomatic missions
or refer to the AIU publication "Equivalence of Foreign Degrees".
Universities
and University Level Institutions in India
There are presently 237 university level institutions in India including
46 'Deemed universities.' There are more than 10,600 colleges affiliated
to these universities and it is estimated that nearly 7 million students
are on roll.
Medium
of Instruction
In most of the universities
the medium of instruction is English. Some universities and colleges have
switched over to Hindi and regional languages. Postgraduate education
is conducted in English at most of the centres. The medium of instruction
is English for scientific, technical and professional education.
The Government of India offers scholarships and fellowships to international students wishing to study in India in various programmes and disciplines. Scholarships are available also for research work and non-formal courses (Religion, Classical Music, Dance and Crafts). While there are many types of scholarships offered to foreign students, the following scholarship schemes are available to students from Poland.
Cultural
Exchange Programme
Every year scholarships are offered to international
students according to the terms and conditions of the Cultural Exchange
Programme signed between the Government of India and the Government of
Poland for studying, training and research in various fields. The Indian
Council for Cultural Cooperation (ICCR) is the nodal agency for this scheme.
ICCR
Scholarship Scheme
60 Scholarships under the ICCR scheme are offered annually
for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Performing as well as
Visual Arts. Subjects include Indian Classical Music, Dance, Painting
and Sculpture. Facilities for doing research work in these fields are
also available. Candidates from any country can apply.
Hindi
Scholarship from the Kendriya Hindi Sanstan, Agra
Three scholarships are offered under this scheme
every year. The selected students are provided international air fare,
travel within India, living allowance, accommodation and free tuition.
Terms and
Conditions of Various Schemes
Under
its scholarship schemes, ICCR pays monthly living allowance and annual
Contingent Grant. It also pays all compulsory tuition fees charged by
the universities institutions. Thesis and dissertation charges are fully
reimbursed upto certain limit and 50% after that limit.
ICCR pays for expenditure incurred by the scholar for medicines bought
on the advice of the medical officer of the institution/ university. ICCR
reimburses expenses except on tonics, surgical appliances, artificial
aids, spectacles and similar articles. Claims for reimbursement should
be supported by cash vouchers. Treatment requiring hospitalisation, should
be referred to Government hospitals. However, cases requiring immediate
and special treatment can be referred to private practitioners at the
discretion of the head of the institution or the medical officer of the
institution.
Accommodation Charges: Students staying in hostel in universities will have their hostel room rents including water, electricity and other charges reimbursed to them. Students not staying in a hostel would be given an accommodation allowance of Rs. 1,000/- per month. In order to qualify for this accommodation allowance, students are required to produce a certificate from the university authorities that hostel accommodation has not been provided to them.
How to Apply
for a Scholarship
Applications
can be sent the Embassy of India in Poland through the Government of Poland.
These are forwarded to ICCR for final selection and placement. Direct
applications from candidates cannot be considered by ICCR. Application
Forms can be collected from the Embassy of India, Warsaw. While filling
in the forms, the candidate must specify the course he wishes to pursue
such as i) certificate/diploma ii) undergraduate degree iii) postgraduate
degree iv) doctoral research work only. Candidates are also advised to
consult the Handbook of Indian Universities available with the Embassy
to ensure the availability of their choice of a course in India. The application
forms should include the required number of copies of educational certificates
along with three copies of passport-size photographs.
Medical
and AIDS Test
Medical examination and production of a medical
certificate indicating fitness to undertake studies in India are required.
In addition, a medical test for AIDS has been made mandatory for all international
students (self financing as well as government scholarship holders) coming
to study in India.
Visa
Regulations
All international students wishing to come to India,
on self financing or under a scholarship scheme, are required to get a
students' vise from the Indian Mission, Warsaw. Students coming on a self
financing basis should produce confirmed letters of admission from universities
or recognised colleges and institutions in India for obtaining the regular
student visa. Those coming to India on tourist or any other type of visa,
cannot get their visa changed to Student Visa once they are in India.
Some Important
Advice to International Students
Before Departure
from his Country
It is advisable to find out from the nearest Indian diplomatic mission about travel, health, and other documents that are required before coming to India. The documents listed below may be necessary for international students coming to India:
-
Valid Passport
-
Confirmed letter of acceptance or a provisional admission certificate from a university or a college or institution
-
Proof of availability of sufficient funds for the duration of studies in India for self financing international students
- Student Visa -
Regular or Provisional
- Health certificate
and AIDS-free certificate
Information regarding customs and baggage rules is available with the Indian diplomatic missions abroad. Students are advised to consult these rules before coming to India.
It may be noted that as a general rule no financial assistance is available from the limited resources of Indian universities or colleges. A student should also not count on the possibility of getting jobs and earning some money during vacation periods. International students are therefore, urged to make adequate financial arrangements from their home country for the entire period of stay in India. Scholars under the Government of India scholarship schemes will however, receive a monthly maintenance allowance.
As the universities and other educational institutions have limited hostel facilities, international students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation sufficiently in advance and obtain confirmed acceptance while applying for admission. Staying in private accommodation may prove to be rather expensive.
On Arrival in India
An international scholar should make sure that he has enough money to meet expenses in transit as well as initial expenditure at his place of study. If he is carrying travelers' cheques he must remember that these are accepted only at certain places. While banks will readily change them and some of the larger hotels and commercial establishments will accept them, it would not do to present a travelers' cheque to a barber or a small shopkeeper.
Students under Government of India Scholarship Scheme should remember that a representative of ICCR will invariably meet the scholar on arrival unless information of arrival is received late. The international student is expected to meet all his expenses like porterage, taxi fare and he should not expect ICCR to pay on his behalf. The ICCR official will arrange and help the student obtain temporary accommodation, help him for his further onward journey by train or air and pay him his 3 months advance stipend. If by any chance, the ICCR does not have any information about the scholar's arrival in India or the scholar fails to meet the ICCR official at the airport, the scholar should contact ICCR headquarters at New Delhi or any other regional office of ICCR.
Living in India
Hostel
An international student should contact the hostel
superintendent of the institute after completion of admission formalities.
Universities and colleges in India usually have more than one students'
hostel. It is advisable that a student applies for enrollment in all the
hostels available so that he has a higher chance of being accommodated
in at least one of them.
Generally two students are allotted one room in the hostels, although in some places single rooms are made available. Hostellers are required to buy their bedding sets, locks, electric bulbs, etc. Every hostel has its rules and regulations, which should be obeyed by all students, Indian and international. The hostel superintendent looks after the welfare of the students.
Hostels provide Indian food which varies from region to region. In the North and West, the meal consists of 'chapatis'- a kind of bread, some vegetables and lentils, while in the East and South the staple food is rice. Yogurt is a frequent item as are simple salads and pickles. In most of the hostels, vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food is served, but there are hostels, where non vegetarian food is not available at all. Hostels remain closed during the long vacations, like the summer vacation. International students are required to make their arrangements of board and lodging during that period.
Private Accommodation
A certificate would have to be issued by the university authorities certifying that no hostel accommodation is available. Of course, living outside the college is comparatively an expensive proposition.
College and Hostel
Associations
Every college and hostel has a students' union. It is best to join these associations since these unions are the hub of student activity outside the classroom. Besides the unions, there are societies like the Arts club, Dramatic societies, Debating societies, indoor and outdoor games' clubs and the like, into which students can enlist themselves depending upon their individual interests.
Indian
Fellow Students
It is advisable that international students mix freely with Indian students.
Occasionally an international student may be asked unpleasant questions
arising out of ignorance of the country and people, and/ or incorrect
information, which would be best to shrug off without taking any offence.
Clothes
Climate and seasons as stated earlier, are varied. Students studying in
institutions in north India will require heavy woolen garments curing
winter. Students in other regions of the country require light winter
garments. A pair of trousers and a shirt or a T- shirt are commonly worn
by men. Women can use skirts and blouses or Indian outfits, such as salwar
kameezes. Readymade garments can be bought in markets and shops in all
cities. Washermen for cleaning and laundering clothes are available in
all hostels. Facilities for dry cleaning are also available in cities
and towns. Clothes can be ironed at reasonable rates.
Shopping
Shopping centres and markets are located in downtown areas but small shopping
complexes are located near the hostels and campuses of colleges and universities
where daily necessities can be purchased. Prices of all articles are printed
on the label to avoid overcharging. Buyers must be careful and should
not pay more than the labeled price.
Banks
Students should never keep heavy cash with them. Keeping aside funds sufficient
to last for a week or so, the heavier amount should be kept in a bank.
To open a bank account, an international student has to present the bonafide
certificates to the bank. Sometimes a letter of introduction from the
Principal, Registrar or International Student's Advisor is also required.
In all universities, extension branches of nationalised banks operate
for the benefit of students.
Currency
The nomenclature of the Indian currency is the Rupee. One Rupee is divided
into 100 paise. Notes are available in denominations of 500, 100, 50,
20, 10, 5, 2, and 1.Coins are available for Rs. 5, Rs.2. and Re.1. Coins
for Paise are available in 50, 25, 10 and 5.
Post and Telecommunications
Many colleges and universities have post offices within the campus. Postage stamps, registration of letters, airmail despatch and facilities of money order are available in the post offices. Telegraph facilities are usually located in the head post office of the area. For sending airmail letters to other countries, students are advised to enquire the correct amount of postage to be affixed on the envelope from the counter.
Facilities for International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) and Subscriber Trunk Dialing within the country (STD) as well as Fax facilities at all places are available. Private ISD and STD telephone booths are found at many places.
Medical Facility
Every college and university has medical facilities of its own which can be utilised by students, Indian and international alike. In case of serious illness or special treatment. one can visit the government hospitals. In most of the prominent public hospitals, some reservations of beds have been made for students. An international student can be admitted also to a "paid ward" of a public hospital. There are private nursing homes and hospitals also, but treatment in these centres is always very expensive. An international student should approach the headquarters or the regional offices of the ICCR for guidance and help in the event of any serious illness.
Some
Useful Health Precautions
It is wise to avoid wayside eating-shops and unhygienic restaurants. An
international student should resist the temptation of eating sweets, fried
or highly spiced dishes if he is not accustomed to them. He should avoid
drinking cold water unless he is reasonably sure it is clean. Boiled water
or water to which chlorine tablets have been added can be used for drinking.
Bottled mineral water is also available. One can attempt some physical
exercise every day but one should avoid excessive perspiration and exposure
to the sun in summer. India is a tropical country and it is better to
get inoculated against typhoid, cholera and hepatitis B infections. It
is a good idea to take precautions against mosquitoes, houseflies and
other insects. If one travels in India, one should see to it that he takes
only hygienically cooked food and boiled water. If one goes to hill stations
or holiday resorts only bottled mineral water or boiled water should be
taken.
Transport
Trains
Transport system in India is reasonably good. There is a good railway
network. The Indian Railways provide various types of railway travel facilities-
Air conditioned first class, Air conditioned second-class, Air conditioned
chair car, First class, Second class sleeper, Second class etc. Advance
reservation for sleeper accommodation is required. Reservation of berths
or seats is possible one month before the date of journey.
Tickets, particularly tickets in advance, can be purchased at the railway station or better at the railway booking offices. One can buy tickets also through authorised travel agents for long distance journeys. One can break one's journey in the midway for a certain number of days and again proceed further with the same ticket without payment of any extra charge. Round trip or return tickets valid for 3 months are available, also for journey to hill stations. Retiring rooms are available at all big railway stations.
All overseas students up to the age of 25 are eligible for railway concessions when they produce a certificate from the Head of the college or institution. Special orders can then be obtained from Divisional Superintendent of Railways, before concession tickets can be bought. ICCR issues concession certificates to overseas students for visit to historic places during vacations.
Air Travel
All major cities are connected by air travel, mostly through Indian Airlines. Tickets can be purchased in advance and concessions to students are available on production of certificates similar to train travel. Air travel is comparatively expensive.
Bus Service
Facilities of travel by bus exist in all places. In some states bus service has been nationalised. Most of the cities provide reasonably good bus service. Interstate bus service facilities are available also in state capitals. Queuing for bus is advised. A student need not be surprised should he find that the "First come First serve" rule is not being strictly followed, as the habit of forming a queue is not yet fully developed in all places. Transport corporations of many states have made arrangements or issue of monthly or quarterly concession travel-passes to students.
Taxi
Taxis are available mostly in big cities and the fare is paid according to the meter, but the exact amount payable is determined with the help of a conversion chart carried by the driver. One has to pay extra for luggage. For traveling at night between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. a surcharge of 25% over the amount is payable. Taxi rates vary from state to state in India.
Autorickshaw
Almost all cities in India have autorickshaws for hire. At many places the charges are payable according to meter. In other places fares are negotiated before the journey. As in the case of taxis, night charges and luggage charges are extra.
Entertainment
Radio
Broadcasting is a national institution. All India Radio has zonal stations all over the country from where broadcasts in regional languages are made. Talks, radio newsreels, news and selected music can be listened to at almost any time of the day. News in English, a review of the important events of the day all over the world, is broadcast from all stations. All India Radio broadcasts programmes in many foreign languages, and its FM channel enjoys tremendous popularity.
Television
Television has also a wide network throughout India. There are more than 14 channels of Doordarshan itself which broadcast entertainment programmes as well as discussions on subjects of topical interest. Television also arranges to hold live coverage of major sports events and international competitions and transmits open university programmes. Satellite television has arrived in a big way in the country, with all major networks like Star, CNN being beamed into the homes of millions.
The Press
The press in India enjoys complete freedom of expression and the number of newspapers and periodicals is very large. Important newspapers are published in English as well as in different Indian languages. Their views vary from extreme conservatism to radical liberalism. Illustrated and non- illustrated weeklies and monthlies are also available.
Bookstalls
All towns and important railway stations have bookstalls where journals from foreign countries are available. If a student does not find his paper at the nearest stall, he can arrange it with the newspaper vendor on advance payment.
Libraries
All educational institutions
have their libraries with trained librarians. Apart from these, there
are public libraries run by the state or other agencies of which a student
can become a borrowing member on being introduced by another member, on
payment of a nominal fee. The biggest library in India is the National
Library at Calcutta.
Cinema
Most towns in India have cinema houses where films in local languages and in Hindi are shown daily. English movies are shown daily in the larger and occasionally in the smaller cities. Local dailies advertise programmes. The cinema in India, as elsewhere in the world, is by and large a means of mass entertainment. In cities such as Calcutta, Bombay and Delhi there are well established film societies where good films, Indian and foreign are shown at moderate prices. Some universities too, have similar film societies which are run by the students.
Music and Theatre
There are professional theatre groups in Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi which are mounting productions on a regular basis for public entertainment. In addition college societies and amateur groups put on plays and variety entertainment in English as well as local languages. In winter especially, there is a good performance worth watching every other evening. Occasionally in the cities, visiting companies and artistes from abroad, stage English plays and concerts and recitals of Western music.
The richest, if not the most frequent, entertainment that one can have in India will be provided by concerts of Indian classical music and performances of Indian classic dance. In dance, there are four main styles- Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak and Manipuri. In winter one can find music and dance programmes advertised in the papers in which leading artistes of the country perform.
Museums and Art
Galleries
State
capitals and Delhi have art galleries and museums which are maintained
by the state. A visit to these will be instructive. The important ones
are at Delhi, Calcutta, Madras and Bombay.
Links to Indian Institutions and Universities