Shobhit Mathur, vice-chancellor and co-founder of Rishihood University, shares his views on opportunities and challenges of the education system in India with FE Education Online.
What is the best thing about today’s education system?
What is the one thing you would like to change in the system?
One critical change I would advocate for in the Indian education system is aligning it more closely with societal and industrial needs. There is a need for an education system that is dynamic and industry-oriented, providing students with the skills required in the modern workplace. The current system often emphasises theoretical knowledge over practical application, which can leave graduates unprepared for the demands of the workforce. The NEP 2020 echoes this sentiment by emphasising the integration of vocational education and internships with academic learning to create a more holistic and practical learning environment.
What is the role digital has played in the evolution of the education system?
The digital era has undeniably transformed the landscape of the education system, providing unprecedented access to information and learning resources. However, India is still in the nascent stages of fully leveraging the potential of digitalisation in education. While content has been democratised, allowing for a vast pool of knowledge to be accessible to anyone with internet access, there is a lack of personal mentorship on how to make the best use of the available knowledge.
What has been the disadvantage of digital in education?
Digitalisation, while advantageous in many respects, also presents certain drawbacks. A significant concern is the erosion of the direct connection between teachers and students. The traditional classroom environment offers intangible benefits through face-to-face interactions, which are difficult to replicate in a digital format. The nuances of direct communication, immediate feedback, and emotional support are often diminished in an online setting, potentially impacting the holistic development of students.
To students contemplating their future careers, I would advise starting the process of career planning early, ideally by the 10th grade. Early career planning allows for a more informed and thoughtful selection of academic and vocational pathways. It provides sufficient time to explore various fields of interest, engage in internships, and develop a robust skill set tailored to the evolving demands of the job market.