On Indian (Science) Education

For the last 2 days, we’ve had some really interesting speakers and panelists giving us background and insights about the education system in India. We’re finding lots of similarities to the U.S., but there are also a ton of differences. As we try to dissect the differences (in order to better understand Indian education), we’re finding it difficult because of deeply rooted cultural differences between Indian and American values, philosophy and ways of life.

Some statistics/quotes that struck me, sort of:

- 52% drop out of school during class 1-6

- only 7% of students get a post secondary education, this includes trade schools

- Q: What happens to the drop-outs? A: They just live. Don’t ask how.

- student go to school 6 days/wk, 6hrs/day for 210 days/yr.

- for class 11-12, students must choose 1 out of 4 “streams” based on an exam taken after class 10: science, medical or science, engineering or commerce or humanities.

- the top scoring students are expected to choose a science stream

- if students don’t score well enough to enter a science stream, they can leave the public school and go to a private school where they will be taught science. Many students decide to go this route.

- India has a 7.8% divorce rate in urban areas; almost 0% in rural areas. Way less than U.S. stats!

- no school teaches personal development (i.e. the “whole” child)

- Q: Many students in America have self-esteem, anxiety and/or family issues. When do you begin to teach social development in school? [pause, pause. panelists consult each other] A: We don’t know what you are referring to. [After much explaining, they still did not know what we were referring to.]

- exams drive most of the curriculum

- the entrance exam for an IIT school is the hardest in the world. I didn’t catch the stat, but another Fulbrighter said this exam is tougher than Japanese school placement tests.

- if a student wants even a chance at earning a high score for IIT, they enroll in private tutoring classes. 1-2 hours/day, 6 days/wk.

We’re going out tomorrow to explore Delhi. It’s been tough sitting in lectures while getting over jetlag and adjusting to the humidity. I’m excited to finally see firsthand the "city of opposites."