Education is often hailed as the great equalizer, the ladder to social mobility, and the foundation of a prosperous nation. Yet, in India, this ladder seems to be missing several rungs. The sharp decline of 15 million school enrollments in 2023-2024 signals a crisis, not merely of access but of faith in the system itself. While educational institutions mushroom across the country, their effectiveness remains questionable, particularly for marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Literacy rates among SCs stagnate at a dismal 66.1%, far below the national average. Higher education, which should be a beacon of progress, is alarmingly inaccessible—only three out of ten Indians make it to a university, a figure that lags behind global standards.
The Illusion of Access
India has made substantial efforts in expanding educational institutions. Government schemes, scholarship programs, and affirmative action policies have aimed to bridge the educational gap, yet the fundamental issue remains—quantity has not translated into quality. A degree, once seen as a symbol of knowledge and capability, has been reduced to a piece of paper in many institutions. The process of obtaining one is often riddled with loopholes, allowing students to pass without ever stepping into a classroom, taking an exam, or learning anything of real value.
This widespread dilution of academic rigor disproportionately affects marginalized communities. While urban, upper-class students have access to better schools, coaching institutes, and online learning resources, many SC, ST, and nomadic students are left grappling with subpar infrastructure, ill-equipped teachers, and outdated curricula. The very institutions meant to uplift them often fail them, leaving them with degrees that hold little weight in the real world.
A Deepening Crisis in Higher Education
Higher education in India is a tale of contradictions. While prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs continue to shine on the global stage, the reality for most students is starkly different. The gross enrollment ratio in higher education remains significantly lower than the world average, and the dropout rates among marginalized students remain distressingly high. The barriers to entry are not just financial; they are also social and structural. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds face discrimination, lack of mentorship, and an environment that often alienates them rather than nurtures them.
For many, the struggle does not end after securing admission. The quality of education in a vast majority of Indian colleges is deeply flawed. Faculty shortages, outdated syllabi, and an excessive focus on rote learning rather than critical thinking render students ill-prepared for the job market. Employers frequently lament that graduates lack the necessary skills, yet the education system remains stagnant, refusing to evolve with the demands of the modern economy.
The Cost of a Broken System
The ramifications of a failing education system are severe. Without quality education, social mobility remains an illusion. Millions of young Indians, particularly those from SC/ST backgrounds, find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and underemployment. The promise of reservations and government aid does little when the education they receive does not equip them for the real world. A degree should empower, not deceive. When education is reduced to a mere formality, the entire system collapses under its own weight, producing graduates who are ill-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Moreover, the psychological toll on students from marginalized communities is immense. Many enter higher education with dreams of upliftment, only to be met with institutional apathy and a lack of guidance. Dropout rates are high not just due to financial constraints but because students often find themselves alienated in environments that do not support their growth. Education, instead of being a tool for empowerment, becomes a struggle for survival.
Reforming the System: A Need for Urgency
If India is to truly harness its demographic dividend, urgent reforms are needed. First and foremost, the focus must shift from mere enrollment numbers to actual learning outcomes. Investing in teacher training, updating curricula, and ensuring accountability in educational institutions can go a long way in improving quality.
For marginalized students, access to quality education must not stop at admission. Universities should establish mentorship programs, academic support systems, and financial aid initiatives that go beyond token gestures. Affirmative action is meaningless if it does not translate into tangible support structures.
Technology can also play a crucial role. Online learning platforms, if made accessible and affordable, can bridge the gap for students in remote and underprivileged areas. However, this requires not just technological infrastructure but also digital literacy programs to ensure students can make full use of these resources.
A Right That Must Be Restored
Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. Yet, for millions of Indians, particularly those from SC, ST, and nomadic communities, it remains a distant dream. The decline in school enrollments, the poor quality of higher education, and the systemic neglect of marginalized students paint a grim picture of India’s educational landscape. If left unaddressed, this crisis will not only widen the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged but will also hinder India’s progress as a global powerhouse.
A nation’s future is built in its classrooms. If India truly wishes to emerge as an economic and intellectual superpower, it must first ensure that education is accessible, equitable, and, above all, meaningful. The time for empty statistics and superficial reforms is over. The recently introduced National Education Policy (NEP), which was supposed to be a game changer, appears to be more of a customary surgery—tinkering with the structure without addressing the deeper ailments of the system. What India needs is a radical reimagining of its education system—one that prioritizes knowledge over numbers, learning over degrees, and empowerment over mere survival. Until then, education will remain a privilege, not a right, and millions will continue to be left behind.