Seminar explores dynamic, vibrant landscape of India’s higher education

• India is set to become a global education hub, with the sector projected to grow from $117 billion to $313 billion by 2030

• India has one of the world’s largest higher education networks, with 45,000-degree colleges, over 1000 universities, and around 1500 top institutes

• India’s education sector has attracted substantial FDI, amounting to $9.3 billion between April 2000 and September 2023

The Indian embassy in Kuwait hosted a seminar titled ‘India’s Higher Education Landscape’ at its premises on February 14. The event aimed to highlight the advancements and future opportunities within the Indian higher education sector, fostering potential collaboration between both countries.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of HE Lana Othman Al-Ayyar, CEO of Al Rayan Holding Co., as the chief guest, and Ms Nourah Al Ghanim, Chairperson of the Union of Private Schools in Kuwait, as the guest of honor. Distinguished speakers included Dr Ashwin Fernandes, ambassador of India and Executive Director at QS World University Rankings, renowned for his book “India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn,” and Dr Ramakrishna Raman, Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, Pune.

The seminar illuminated crucial aspects of Indian higher education.

• The New Education Policy 2020 of India has been a game-changer, reshaping the landscape of the country’s educational sector.
• India is poised to emerge as a leading global education hub, with the education sector projected to grow substantially. Currently valued at $117 billion, it is forecasted to reach $313 billion by 2030.
• India boasts one of the world’s most extensive networks of higher education systems, comprising 45,000-degree colleges, over 1000 universities, and around 1500 top institutes.
• India is emerging as the Ed Tech capital of the world, with seven out of 36 Ed-Tech unicorn companies being Indian. As of June 2022, these companies are collectively valued at $34.05 billion.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the education sector in India is permitted through the automatic route. Notably, the sector has attracted substantial FDI, amounting to $9.3 billion between April 2000 and September 2023.
• India has the highest number of universities (148) among all Asian nations listed in the QS Asia rankings, and boasts 45 universities featured in the QR World rankings.
• The government of India has set an ambitious target to achieve a Gross Enrollment Ratio of 50% by 2035.
• India is home to a staggering 25% of the global school population.
• Indian universities are making remarkable strides by setting up campuses abroad, with prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (in Abu Dhabi and Tanzania), Birla Institute of Technology in Pilani, and Amity University in Dubai, as well as Sharda and Sambroom Universities in Uzbekistan, etc.
• India is at the forefront among nations in terms of patent filings and the publication of research papers in international journals.
• Foreign universities like Deakin University are establishing IBC in GIFT City, Gujarat

The seminar proved invaluable in showcasing opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two countries in the educational sector. This includes establishing campuses of Indian universities in Kuwait, facilitating the enrollment of Kuwaiti students in Indian universities, enabling Indian students to enroll in Kuwaiti universities, fostering recruitment of faculty members, and promoting exchange programs between universities in both countries.

Approximately 350 people attended the event, including representatives from Kuwait University, Kuwait College of Science and Technology, AUM, faculty members from various universities in Kuwait, principals from Indian and international schools, distinguished members of the Indian community, educators, students, and media representatives.