In a revelation that astounded the nation, Subhas Sarkar, the Minister of State for Education, disclosed that a staggering 1.3 million Indian students embarked on academic pursuits abroad during the period spanning 2017-2022. This revelation unfolded in response to an inquiry raised by DMK MP R Girirajan in the august chambers of the Rajya Sabha. The data, gleaned from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), unveils a formidable contingent of Indian intellect dispersing across international shores in pursuit of higher education.
Mr. Sarkar elucidated, “As per MEA, there are approximately 1.3 million Indian students who are studying abroad in various courses for the year 2022. However, the Ministry of Education does not maintain any data regarding the expenditure incurred by Indian students pursuing higher studies in foreign countries.”
Unveiling the preferred destinations of these erudite Indian scholars, Mr. Sarkar underscored that the United States remains the paramount choice. The data reveals that a formidable 4,65,791 Indian students embarked on academic sojourns to the United States. The academic diaspora extends further, encompassing Canada (1,83,310 students), the United Arab Emirates (1,64,000 students), Australia (1,00,009 students), the United Kingdom (55,465 students), Saudi Arabia (65,800 students), Qatar (46,000 students), Germany (34,864 students), Georgia (14,000 students), France (10,003 students), Bangladesh (9,308 students), Armenia (8,015 students), China (6,436 students), and an array of other destinations.
In light of this monumental exodus of talent, Mr. Sarkar was prompted to address the crucial issue of fostering educational opportunities within India. He highlighted the establishment of world-class foreign universities and institutions in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat. These institutions have been granted the privilege of offering courses in financial management, fintech, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, unshackled by domestic regulations, with the exception of those imposed by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). This initiative aims to cultivate a reservoir of high-end human resources for the financial services and technology sectors.
Moreover, Mr. Sarkar emphasized the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) introduction of the UGC (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions to offer twinning, joint degree, and dual degree programs) Regulations, 2022. These regulations foster international collaborations with foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs), enriching the spectrum of educational opportunities available to Indian students.
This revelation resounds as a testament to the aspirations and ambitions of Indian students, who continually seek excellence in higher education, both on the domestic front and across the global academic landscape.
