In 2023, there has been a notable trend of foreign schools establishing campuses in India, either independently or in collaboration with well-established Indian institutions. One example is the UK-based Harrow International School, which initiated its inaugural academic year in Bengaluru.
2023 proved to be a pivotal year for Indian education, marked by various developments. The establishment of campuses by foreign universities in India signifies a significant milestone, reshaping the educational landscape, particularly amid the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
However, the year has also been marked by challenges, including the disturbing occurrence of student suicides in prominent institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and Jadavpur University. These incidents shed light on the pressing issue of student well-being.
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for 2023 was unveiled in August. This updated framework strives to provide a comprehensive education for children aged 3 to 18 years. The educational journey outlined in this framework is organized into four distinct stages: Foundational, Elementary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has authorized foreign universities to establish campuses in India. In January of this year, the UGC introduced the draft of the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.
In March 2023, Manish Sisodia, the former education minister of Delhi, was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation on charges related to the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate issued an arrest order in connection with a money laundering case. Despite seeking bail, the High Court, deeming it a high-profile case, denied relief to Sisodia in May. Presently, the case is under consideration by the apex court.
The year brought challenges for India’s edtech giant, Byju’s, as it remained consistently in the spotlight for issues such as misleading promises in advertisements, widespread layoffs, and increasing financial losses.
Following the lead of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the recently elected Congress government in Karnataka reversed the implementation of the National Education Policy. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced in August that the state would now formulate its own education policy.
In August, the tragic demise of a first-year student at Jadavpur University brought to light a distressing situation. Subsequent revelations from students and teachers unveiled disturbing incidents of unaddressed ragging on campus. Students reportedly endured physical and mental abuse, including being compelled to walk on railings and high walls. Incidents dating back to 2016 were recollected, underscoring the persistent nature of the issue.
The Indian Institute of Technology established its inaugural offshore campus in Zanzibar. In July, an agreement was signed between India and Abu Dhabi to establish another international campus of IIT in Abu Dhabi.
