India

Higher Education System in India

Behind China and the U.S., India's higher education system is the third largest, with the University Grants Commission representing the main regulating body over tertiary institutions. Between 2000 and 2010, India constructed 20,000 universities and colleges that accepted over eight million students during that time. The fields of science and technology are heavily promoted by the Indian government at the college level, leading to several technological institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Management to receive acclaim from global educational organizations. In addition, the All India Institute of Medical Science in New Delhi is considered one of the leading research centers for the advancement of medical technology and treatment methods.

Academic degrees awarded in India conform to the colonial British system, with bachelor and master degrees given as "arts" or "science" degrees. Doctorate degrees are also available for students who have completed the specified master's program pertaining to their field of study. Admission to universities is based on the score earned by students taking the Higher Secondary School Certificate and is highly competitive in regards to the more prestigious universities operating in India. In fact the All India Pre-Med Test is taken annually by 200,000 students, of which only 2000 are accepted.

International students desiring to earn a degree in India will need to show proof of successfully completing at least 12 years of secondary education in their country of origin. Students will also need to take the entrance exam and submit results to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Direct admission to medical, dental and engineering degree programs is not permissable, regardless of the student's past education credentials. However, other degree programs may not require foreign students to take the entrance exam. Instead, a student's higher education entrance exam scores (such as the ACT or SAT given in the U.S.) may be used to qualify the student at certain technical colleges. Students interested in earning a degree in India should be aware of the fact that public universities do not accept students who are not citizens of India.

Tuition costs in India vary dramatically, with public universities being much less expensive than private universities because they are funded by the government. Indian citizens usually pay less than $100 a year to attend a public university or college. Private university fees can range from $400 to $25,000 a year, depending on the institution and type of degree program. Non-Indian students attending a private college are generally given preference over Indian students, mainly due to the fact they are more financially equipped to pay tuition costs.

Why Study in India?

Students wishing to study non-western music, religion, architecture and art will find India the perfect place in which to learn in-depth about these subjects. Its diverse and fascinating culture is an irresistable blend of ancient and modern styles that attract liberal arts majors from all over the world. Additionally, India offers cutting-edge information technology degree programs for students interested in earning a highly valued bachelor's or master's degree related to the field of computers and IT.

India is a South Asian country that is home to nearly a billion and a half people, the second largest population in the world after China. India's maritime borders consist of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and its land shares borders with China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Burma. The Republic of India possesses the 11th largest economy in the world and is currently one of the world's fastest growing countries in terms of GDP and export of goods. The federal government of India is comprised of an executive, legislative and judicial branch, with the President of India acting as the head of state. The President is elected using an electoral college system and remains in power for five years. The Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, is considered the head of government and maintains the highest level of executive power. The Indian legislative branch adheres to the Westminster-parliamentary style system of rule due to the heavy influence of past British colonialism. India is governed by a parliamentary system comprised of seven union territories and 28 states. India's Legal System Because India is a highly diverse, multi-cultural country, their English model common law system is complemented by personal law codes applying to Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The highest court in India is the Supreme Court (30 associate justices and one chief justice) which hears cases that have emerged unresolved from lower courts. The legal profession is recognized as a "noble" profession in India because lawyers are seen as upholders of the constitution and guardians of a venerable yet modernized legal system. Broadly classified, India law is categorized into these specific areas: civil, criminal, tax, constitutional, real estate, international, patent/copyright, labor and family law.