Commodification of Education

Globally, higher education is evolving into a branded product—degrees are becoming prestige commodities, and universities compete in a marketplace dominated by rankings and revenue. Elite institutions like Harvard and MIT heavily rely on high-paying international students to fund financial aid and research, while countries like the UK and Australia depend on foreign student fees for up to 25–50% of their budgets 0.

The National Education Policy: Idealistic but Underfunded

India’s NEP 2020 is an ambitious roadmap for educational reform, envisioning autonomous, research-driven institutions. Yet, as author R. Balasubramaniam warns, the policy lacks traction without adequate funding, faculty autonomy, and execution strategies. Around 80% of Indian students attend underfunded public universities plagued by shortages and red tape 1.

Why Mimicking the Ivies Isn’t the Answer

Emulating elite Western institutions won’t necessarily foster excellence. ThePrint argues that chasing global rankings often leads to hollow victories: schools chase metrics rather than substance, risking erosion of local strengths and missions 2.

India’s Real Strength: Diversification and Contextual Excellence

Rather than copying foreign models, India should embrace its diversity—supporting high-performing public universities while nurturing regional excellence. Existing frameworks like the Institutions of Eminence and NIRF rankings should be leveraged to build world-class centers tied to India’s unique societal and economic needs 3.

A Call for Innovation, Not Imitation

To truly build a “Viksit Bharat”, emphasis should be on fostering research ecosystems linked to national priorities, securing sustainable funding, and granting academic autonomy. Only by creating contextually relevant institutions, rather than replicating foreign brands, can India claim genuine global success.

Fast Facts for Quiz Buffs

• NEP 2020 aims for transformative higher education by 2040.
• 80% of Indian students attend underfunded public universities.
• University budgets in the UK draw £28.8 billion from international students (2021).
• Australia relies on foreign fees for up to 50% of university funding.
• India currently hosts 54 universities in QS World Rankings—up from 11 in 2014 4.

Source: Theprint