Amitabh Kant , Chairperson of NIIT University, is calling for an urgent overhaul of India’s education system. His remarks, made in a recent interview, stress the critical need to align learning with employability and foster innovation across campuses nationwide. Kant, a former G20 Sherpa and CEO of NITI Aayog, advocates for reforms to prepare India’s youth for a rapidly changing global economy.
Addressing India’s Employability Gap
Kant identified a significant mismatch between current education and modern job market demands. He noted that while India has many educational institutions, many graduates struggle to find employment in evolving fields. Traditional engineering and science courses do not adequately prepare students for roles requiring skills in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and machine learning.
To bridge this gap, Kant urged higher learning institutions to restructure curricula. He proposed integrating courses focused on emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, robotics, drones, and green hydrogen. This shift aims to equip students with specialized skills, enabling India to achieve technological leadership.
Cultivating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
A key focus for Kant is embedding entrepreneurship into higher education. He suggested allowing first-year students to “tinker” and develop solutions to real-world problems. This approach aims to cultivate an inquisitive mindset from the outset.
Kant called for expanding startup movements and incubators beyond premier institutions like the IITs to all engineering colleges. He also proposed allowing professors to guide student startups and hold equity in these ventures. Securing funding from venture capital and private equity is crucial to support these new businesses, transforming students into innovators and job creators.
Enhancing Institutional Autonomy
Regulatory frameworks often impede rapid curriculum changes. Kant recommended granting greater freedom and flexibility to universities, including treating affiliated colleges as autonomous units. This autonomy would empower institutions to innovate course content more quickly and respond effectively to industry needs. The goal is to move away from centralized control, fostering a more dynamic and responsive education sector.
Guidance for Civil Servants and Young Professionals
Kant offered advice for young civil servants, emphasizing a positive outlook and the powerful use of data. He urged them to leverage real-time data for effective governance, analyzing information to drive competition among districts. Defining clear outcomes in areas like education, health, and nutrition, and publicly sharing progress, are central to good governance.
For young Indians entering the workforce, Kant highlighted three essential traits: “relentless hard work,” proficiency in technology, and a commitment to problem-solving. He noted that nations like Japan, China, and Korea advanced through hard work. Technology is a differentiator, enabling growth and progress. He encouraged using AI and data to find quick solutions for challenges such as waste management, water supply, and improving learning outcomes.
Foreign Universities: A Catalyst for Quality
The entry of foreign universities into India is a positive development, according to Kant. He stated it is “a good thing” that encourages competition and enhances educational quality. Rather than Indian students seeking education abroad, international institutions can establish campuses in India. This fosters a dynamic environment where local and global universities can learn from each other, elevating overall academic standards.