In 2024, India’s education landscape is undergoing a major transformation with the increasing integration of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). AI is now being used to personalize education by tailoring content to individual student needs, while AR and virtual reality (VR) are providing immersive learning experiences, from virtual field trips to hands-on simulations. This shift is not limited to school education but is also gaining traction in higher education. Business schools and engineering colleges have introduced AI in their curriculum at various levels, ranging from introductory overviews to more in-depth courses on software and technology, reflecting a broader emphasis on skills-based learning.
For decades, India saw little noticeable change in the pattern, methods, or content of education. From the earliest stages, children learned by rote, with facts and figures prioritized over learning how to apply knowledge in ways that could ultimately generate employment, create wealth, and improve living standards in the country.
The concept of cross-disciplinary education or research did not exist; the system did not allow students to study combinations such as economics, sociology, and mathematics, which are now recognized as having immense potential for alleviating poverty, improving health, and raising living standards for large sections of the population. The impact of such a cross-disciplinary approach on society is significant, as reflected by a national law university’s recent introduction of a course combining science, technology, and law.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—introduced by the Government of India and implemented by the University Grants Commission over the past few years—is a major step in the right direction. Among the many changes are:
- Making higher education more broad-based rather than overly specialized.
- Emphasizing “How” (skills) over the traditional focus on “Why” (theory).
There is also a growing recognition, albeit delayed, that command of language is a core competency of an educated citizen. Most professions require a high level of communication skills—written, spoken, and non-verbal—and critical reading and thinking skills are prerequisites for every profession.
Let us now take a closer look at some of the changes at different stages of education.
School Level
At the primary school stage, computer literacy is now compulsory, with puzzles and games being used to encourage logical thinking and spatial awareness. Another noteworthy development is the use of trial and error methods to encourage experimentation with different alternative solutions. The traditional blackboard has been replaced by interactive whiteboards/smartboards for activities such as drawing, selecting objects, or participating in group games.
At the middle school level, students become proficient in application software such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation tools, along with basic coding. They are also encouraged to create digital content, including blogs, videos, and presentations, which are essential in today’s job market.
In senior school, students must learn programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as basic skills in HTML, CSS, and potentially JavaScript for creating and managing websites. Other aspects of digital literacy include using project management tools like Microsoft Project and advanced spreadsheet techniques for data analysis, formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization.
In addition to the above, several new subjects have been introduced at the high school level in recent years to prepare students for the dynamic job market. These include:
- Legal Studies
- Mass Media & Mass Communication
- Fashion Designing
- Biotechnology
- Hospitality Management
- Environmental Sciences
- Electricity & Electronics
- Entrepreneurship
There are plans to introduce courses in emerging fields such as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science at the high school level. While this is a forward-thinking approach, such advanced and technically demanding subjects may be more effectively taught at the college level, particularly within structured, four-year engineering programs. At this stage, students would have a stronger foundational understanding of mathematics, programming, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to grasp complex concepts more comprehensively.
Offering these subjects at the college level would also allow for more in-depth exploration, practical application, and research opportunities, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the workforce with highly relevant skills in these rapidly growing industries. Integrating these courses into undergraduate engineering programs could also foster innovation and specialization, ensuring that students are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Postgraduate Level
Over the last decade, forward-thinking business schools have introduced many elective courses designed to familiarize students with emerging job opportunities. For example:
- Marketing with Responsibility: Focuses on the responsibility marketers have toward all stakeholders, examining the impact of marketing activities on customers, consumers, shareholders, employees, and society, including ethical, moral, and environmental factors.
- Marketing Theory & Contemporary Issues: Examines marketing through an interdisciplinary lens, incorporating insights from fields such as sociology, cognitive neuroscience, and technology.
- Innovative Marketing: Explores the relationship between marketing and innovation, analyzing recent trends and practices.
- Behavioral Architecture: Encourages marketers to rethink their understanding of consumer behavior based on findings from cognitive neuroscience and behavioral economics.
- Sports, Entertainment, & Media Marketing: Considers the unique characteristics of these industries, including consumer behavior, value chains, and business models.
Vocational Training
With the rise of automation and AI, vocational training is becoming increasingly essential, especially for factory workers and supervisors. As industries embrace automation, there is an urgent need to reskill and upskill workers to remain employable in a rapidly evolving job market. According to recent reports, around 16.2 million workers in India will need to be retrained in AI and automation-related technologies by 2027. Vocational training programs are crucial in preparing workers for roles in the age of automation, ensuring they have the skills necessary to adapt to new technologies in manufacturing and other industries. Companies and educational institutions are recognizing the importance of investing in skill development to mitigate job losses and enhance the productivity of their workforce.
A recent newspaper article discusses the essential role of vocational training, particularly for factory workers and supervisors, in preparing them for the age of automation.
Sunrise Sectors
Sectors like renewable energy, semiconductors, drones, and electric vehicles are rapidly growing and are likely to play a significant role in shaping India’s future job market. These sunrise industries are not only essential for economic growth but are also critical for sustainability efforts. With the semiconductor industry showing a global year-on-year sales increase of 15.2% as of early 2024, it is clear that these sectors will soon find their way into educational curricula. The inclusion of specialized courses in these areas would better prepare students to enter these high-demand fields. As the demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy and electric vehicles continues to rise, incorporating these subjects into both vocational and higher education programs will be key to meeting future workforce needs.
Education in Transition: What Lies Ahead
India’s education system is in the midst of a paradigm shift, driven by technological innovations, cross-disciplinary learning, and the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. The focus is moving towards equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the future. The NEP 2020 is helping steer this transformation, with a strong emphasis on broad-based education, digital literacy, and vocational training. As industries like AI, automation, and renewable energy continue to shape the global landscape, it is crucial that the education system keeps pace to ensure that the Indian workforce is ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
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Written By: DP Ghosh (Marketing Consultant & Visiting Faculty – IIM Calcutta & XLRI Jamshedpur)
