Higher education in India for international students

India's educational system is based on British principles, which is explained by the colonial past.

As a rule, children enter schools in India at the age of four. The first stage of education, which lasts ten years, is compulsory for all children. It is noteworthy that education, especially at the senior stages, is often conducted in English, which provides graduates with easy access to the international community of scientists and specialists. from mathematics and natural sciences to humanities. Educational programs include not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills, the emphasis is on the development of critical thinking and the ability to self-learn.

After ten years of study in India, students move on to the second stage - a two-year secondary education, which ends with a certificate. After that, three main paths open up for graduates:

• University preparatory courses (grades 11-12). This path is chosen by those who plan to continue their education at the university. The two-year program is aimed at in-depth study of the subjects necessary for admission to the chosen university. Competition in entrance exams is very high, since the number of those wishing to enter prestigious universities significantly exceeds the number of available places. The system of entrance exams is complex and multi-level, often including numerous tests and interviews.
• Vocational colleges (after grade 10). An alternative option is to enter a vocational college, where training lasts 1-3 years and ends with a diploma of secondary specialized education. Vocational colleges offer a wide range of specialties - from IT technologies and engineering to medical care and business.
• Vocational schools (after 8-10 grades). For those who prefer practical professions, there are specialized trade schools. Here, training lasts from 8 to 10 years, and graduates receive secondary education along with a sought-after profession - seamstresses, mechanics, locksmiths, etc.

The Indian educational system is second only to the United States and China in its scale. The highest development of higher education in India was experienced in the period from 2000 to 2011. By the end of 2011, there were more than 40 international universities in India, about 300 public and 90 private, as well as 130 educational institutions that were at the stage of transition to university status.

Indian education attracts a number of benefits:

• Economic accessibility. Tuition here costs an average of $3000, which is much more profitable than American and European universities. And living in India is cheaper than in Russia, especially since dormitories and scholarships are available to foreigners.
• The authority of the educational system. Indian universities are represented in the QS World University Rankings (about 100), technical and scientific areas are in the lead. Diplomas are accredited by the government and are recognized both in India and abroad.
• English-speaking environment. English, being an official language, is widely used in learning and communication – this simplifies adaptation and eliminates the need to learn the local language (although, of course, this is recommended for all international students).
• Ease of admission. For Russian applicants, the mandatory legalization of a diploma has been canceled, documents can be submitted to several universities through a single system.

The school year begins in August and ends in April. Traditionally, universities in India have operated on a semester system covering 10-12 months, with exams at the end of the academic year, however, at the moment, many universities are adapting to a two-semester system, where each semester lasts 5-6 months, and exams are held at the end of it. In the semester, certification takes place only in four subjects, although mandatory attendance at all lectures is strictly controlled by teachers.

The main language of instruction is English. Admission of students most often takes place without entrance exams.

In higher education in India, as in many other countries, there are three levels of qualification, but with nuances. Bachelor's degree in liberal arts lasts 3 years, professional — 4 years or more, master's — 2 years. There are also programs that end with a diploma or certificate without a degree, with a duration of 1-3 years – from the point of view of academic importance, they do not have such prestige, but provide a unique opportunity to take rare courses: Ayurveda, Sanskrit, yoga, Hindi.

Admission to higher education institutions in India is a process that requires careful preparation and consideration of many nuances, especially for foreign applicants. Not all programs of Indian universities and institutes are open to foreigners — many prestigious universities accept students from other countries only for master's and postgraduate programs, limiting access to undergraduate programs or offering only a narrow range of specialties. Some specialize exclusively on research work, accepting international students only to participate in scientific projects under the guidance of experienced professors. Thus, the first step to studying in India will be to carefully analyze the programs offered and match your own academic goals and plans with the capabilities of specific universities.

You can enroll in a bachelor's degree program if you pass entrance exams, the requirements for which differ depending on the chosen specialty and university. These exams, as a rule, are taken directly at the university itself in a full-time format, which requires advance planning of the trip and taking into account all organizational issues. For example, for admission to Indian institutes of technology (IITs), known for their high level of education and the demand for graduates in the international labor market, future bachelors must pass the JEE - this complex and multi-stage exam tests the knowledge gained by applicants for the entire period of school education (12 years). For graduates of Russian schools, the education system in which has its own characteristics, preparation for JEE may require significant effort, most likely additional courses or tutoring assistance. But everything pays off: the successful passing of the JEE becomes a kind of "ticket" to the elite of Indian engineering education.

The cost of education in India varies greatly depending on the rating of the university and the chosen specialty. Tuition fees vary widely, from a minimum of $300 to $15,000 annually. Often, international students who enter well-known technological institutes pay an average of about $4000 per year. The most popular among foreigners are engineering areas, which open up good opportunities for career advancement both in India and abroad.

At the same time, despite the relatively high tuition fees, other costs can be significantly lower than in other states. Living in student dormitories in India, although modest, is inexpensive - the fee is purely symbolic. But the conditions in such dormitories are significantly different from European standards of comfort: students live in small rooms, use shared kitchens, showers and toilets. There is a strict separation by gender, in contrast to the mixed dormitories common in Europe.

As an alternative to a dormitory, you can rent an apartment. In large cities, for example, in Mumbai or Delhi, renting a one-room apartment will cost about $300 per month, which is comparable to living in a dormitory of many Western universities, but in small cities, the cost of rent is much lower - about $90 per month. The cost of food and transportation is also relatively low, which allows students to plan their budget effectively. It is important to take into account regional differences in prices and form a budget based on personal needs and lifestyle. As a result, studying in India can be a very cost-effective option for international students seeking a quality education in a developing country rich in culture.

Students in India can receive scholarships for outstanding academic, sports, creative and other achievements, which may include significant discounts on tuition fees or even fully cover the costs. Some universities provide scholarships for international students from Russia, but there is an important condition: such payments are available only for primary admission and cannot be received by those who are already studying in the country. Students interested in pursuing scholarships must select three priority universities to apply to. To do this, they will need to submit certain documents, including proof of education, a certificate confirming knowledge of the English language, a medical certificate confirming the student's health.

Also, Indian universities now offer a special ITEC program for Russian applicants, which is an excellent option for those who seek to expand their knowledge and skills, improve their qualifications. The duration of the courses varies from two weeks to a year. A significant advantage is that participants do not have to worry about the cost of flights, accommodation and meals. To apply, you need to fill out a form and send it to the Indian diplomatic representation. Grants are available to graduates and postgraduates of Russian universities in all disciplines taught in India, with the exception of medical specialties. Participants of the program get the opportunity to study at the best Indian universities for free. ITEC covers a wide range of areas, including information technology, linguistics, management, telecommunications and agriculture, and the courses are constantly updated to meet modern requirements.

The education system in India regularly faces a number of challenges, but the country's government pays great attention to reforming the education system, investing heavily in infrastructure development, teacher training and the introduction of new technologies.

Education in India is a complex and multifaceted structure that offers a wide range of educational opportunities for all segments of the population. Despite the existing challenges, higher education in India is developing dynamically, constantly adapting to the changing requirements of the global labor market and occupying a confident place on the world stage.