India’s education sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, driven by a range of initiatives from the Government of India. These reforms have aimed at enhancing accessibility, quality, and inclusivity, ensuring that education is not just a privilege for a select few but a right for all. Some of the key initiatives introduced by the GOI to reshape the educational landscape are as follows:

1. Revitalizing Infrastructure and Systems in Education

RISE Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2018 to boost infrastructure development in higher education institutions across the country.

Key Features of the RISE Scheme:

1. Objective:
   • To provide low-cost funding for the development of educational infrastructure in higher educational institutions like IITs, NITs, central universities, and other government-aided institutions.
2. Funding & Implementation:
   • The scheme aimed to provide ₹1 lakh crore in investment over four years (2018-2022).
   • The loans under the scheme are provided by Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), a joint venture of Canara Bank and the Ministry of Education.
   • The interest-free loans have to be repaid over 10 years.
3. Institutions Covered:
   • Central Universities, IITs, NITs, IISERs, and other higher education institutions under the government.
   • Expansion of technical institutions and medical colleges.
4. Impact:
   • Helps institutions develop new campuses, research facilities, and digital infrastructure.
   • Aims to improve India’s global ranking in education by enhancing infrastructure and research capabilities.

2. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan

RUSA is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2013 to improve higher education infrastructure and quality across the country.

Key Features of the RUSA Scheme:

1. Objective:
   • To improve access, equity, and excellence in higher education.
   • Strengthening state universities and colleges through funding and academic reforms.
2. Funding & Implementation:
   • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), where the funding is shared between the Centre and States (in a 60:40 ratio for general states, 90:10 for special category states).
   • Institutions receive performance-based funding instead of demand-based grants.
3. Key Focus Areas:
   • Upgrading existing universities and autonomous colleges.
   • Establishing model degree colleges in educationally backward districts.
   • Faculty recruitment and training programs.
   • Promoting research, innovation, and digital initiatives.
4. Phases of RUSA:
   • RUSA 1.0 (2013-2017): Focused on infrastructure upgrades in state universities and colleges.
   • RUSA 2.0 (2018-2022): Added emphasis on research, employability, and accreditation of institutions.
   • RUSA 3.0 (2022-2026): Prioritizes equity, digital transformation, and skill development for National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation.
5. Impact:
   • Helped in modernizing state universities, improving faculty-student ratios, and setting up new model degree colleges.
   • Strengthened research infrastructure, employability-focused programs, and governance reforms in higher education.

3. Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration

SPARC is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2018. It aims to enhance the quality of research and academic collaboration between Indian institutions and top international universities.

Key Features of SPARC:

1. Objective:
   • To improve research collaboration between Indian higher education institutions and the world’s top 500 universities.
   • To address critical global challenges through joint research projects.
2. Funding & Implementation:
   • The Ministry of Education funds SPARC projects, providing support for research, faculty exchange, and workshops.
   • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is the national coordinator for the scheme.
3. Key Focus Areas:
   • Advanced research in various disciplines including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
   • Faculty and student mobility between Indian and foreign institutions.
   • Joint workshops, training, and knowledge exchange.
4. Eligibility:
   • Indian institutions eligible include IITs, NITs, IISERs, central universities, and other top research institutions.
   • Foreign partners should be from the world’s top 500 universities.

4. FIST (Fund for Improvement of Science & Technology Infrastructure)

• Launched by: Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
• Objective: Strengthening research infrastructure in universities, higher education institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• Funding Scope:
  • Supports the procurement of high-end scientific equipment.
  • Improves research capabilities in basic sciences, engineering, and medical sciences.
• Beneficiaries: Universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Funding Level: Different categories based on the institution’s research output.

5. PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence)

• Launched by: DST, Government of India.
• Objective: Enhancing research productivity in state and central universities.
• Funding Scope:
  • Infrastructure support for cutting-edge research.
  • Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and faculty/student development.
• Beneficiaries: Universities with strong research performance based on SCOPUS/Web of Science data.
• Impact: Helps universities improve their global ranking by strengthening research output.

6. SAIF (Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities)

• Launched by: DST, Government of India.
• Objective: Establish high-end scientific instrumentation facilities at academic institutions.
• Funding Scope:
  • Procurement, maintenance, and access to advanced scientific equipment.
  • Facilities are open to researchers from across India.
• Beneficiaries: IITs, NITs, central universities, and national research institutes.
• Impact: Improves access to high-end analytical tools for research and innovation.

7. SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes)

• Launched by: DST, Government of India.
• Objective: Establish state-of-the-art shared research facilities to be accessible to industry, academia, and startups.
• Funding Scope:
  • Development of multi-user facilities for advanced research.
  • Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in science, engineering, and medicine.
• Beneficiaries: Higher education and research institutions.
• Impact: Helps startups and small enterprises access high-end research tools without major investment.

8. STUTI (Synergistic Training Program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure)

• Launched by: DST, Government of India.
• Objective: Skill development program for students, researchers, and faculty to train them in using advanced scientific instruments.
• Funding Scope:
  • Organizing hands-on training programs and workshops.
  • Enhancing human resource capability in scientific research.
• Beneficiaries: Young scientists, PhD students, faculty members, and researchers.
• Impact: Builds technical skills in advanced research methodologies.

9. ABC (Academic Bank of Credits)

• Launched by: University Grants Commission (UGC) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Objective:
  • Introduces a credit-based education system where students can earn, store, and transfer credits across universities.
  • Encourages flexible and multidisciplinary learning.
• How It Works:
  • Students register for ABC through DigiLocker.
  • Credits earned in different courses/institutions are stored digitally and can be transferred when changing institutions.
• Beneficiaries: Students in higher education institutions.
• Impact: Enhances mobility and flexibility in education.

10. NCrF (National Credit Framework)

• Launched by: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Objective:
  • Creates a comprehensive credit system that integrates academic, vocational, and experiential learning.
  • Supports multiple entry-exit options in education.
• Key Features:
  • Assigns credits for school education, skill training, higher education, and work experience.
  • Enables seamless mobility between different types of education (school, college, vocational training, etc.).
• Beneficiaries: Students from school to higher education, vocational learners, and professionals.
• Impact: Aligns India’s education system with global standards and promotes lifelong learning.

11. INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network)

• Launched by: UGC (University Grants Commission)
• Objective: Provides digital access to academic resources for higher education institutions in India.
• Key Features:
  • Shodhganga → A repository for PhD theses and dissertations.
  • e-ShodhSindhu → A digital library providing journals, books, and research papers.
  • Vidwan → A database of experts and researchers in various academic disciplines.
• Impact: Improves research collaboration and access to knowledge for Indian scholars.

12. NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning)

• Launched by: IITs and IISc, funded by MoE (Ministry of Education)
• Objective: Provides free online courses in engineering, science, management, and humanities.
• Key Features:
  • Video lectures by IIT and IISc faculty.
  • Offers certifications through online exams.
  • Collaboration with SWAYAM to make courses more accessible.
• Impact: Enhances technical education and helps students, working professionals, and faculty upskill.

13. ANRF (Advanced National Research Foundation)

• Proposed under: Union Budget 2023
• Objective: Aims to boost scientific research and innovation in India through funding and collaboration.
• Key Features:
  • Supports interdisciplinary research across STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Encourages industry-academia partnerships.
  • Works towards making India a global research hub.
• Impact: Strengthens India’s research ecosystem and promotes cutting-edge innovation.

14. ONOS (One Nation One Subscription)

• Launched by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Objective: To simplify access to educational resources across India by providing a single subscription model for all digital learning platforms, making high-quality educational content accessible to all students, regardless of their location or financial background.
• Key Features:
  • Aims to integrate multiple digital content platforms, offering a wide range of online courses, videos, and resources for students, teachers, and lifelong learners.
  • Centralized access to various learning platforms, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions for each service.
  • Promotes affordable, equitable, and inclusive education by ensuring that all students have access to the best educational resources in the country.
  • Focuses on supporting e-learning, virtual classrooms, and interactive content for school and college students.
  • Subscription model ensures no financial barriers for students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
• Impact:
  • Provides a uniform learning experience across diverse educational platforms, boosting digital literacy.
  • Strengthens the education system by enhancing access to high-quality educational content without the financial burden of multiple subscriptions.
  • Aligns with India’s vision of Digital India and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encouraging equitable education for all learners.

15. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds)

• Launched by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Objective: Provides free online courses for school, college, and lifelong learners.
• Key Features:
  • Offers courses from IITs, IIMs, IGNOU, and central universities.
  • Includes engineering, management, arts, science, and law courses.
  • Provides certification upon successful completion.
• Impact: Promotes affordable, quality education and supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision.

16. NDEAR (National Digital Education Architecture)

• Launched by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Objective: Creates a unified digital ecosystem for education in India.
• Key Features:
  • Interoperable education platforms → Allows seamless integration of e-learning resources.
  • Supports schools, higher education, and skill development programs.
  • Brings together AI, analytics, and digital learning tools.
• Impact: Enhances education accessibility, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation.

17. Anusandhan National Research Foundation

ANRF is a key initiative under the ANRF Act, 2023, aimed at boosting scientific, technological, and social science research in India. It seeks to strengthen research institutions, promote industry-academia collaborations, and drive innovation.

Key Features:

• Funding: ₹50,000 crore over 5 years (28% from the government, 72% from private & industry sources).
• Focus Areas: Science & technology, healthcare, social sciences, and defense.
• Institutional Support: Funds universities, IITs, IISc, AIIMS, and other research bodies.
• Industry Collaboration: Encourages private sector R&D and global research partnerships.
• Global Positioning: Enhances India’s research ecosystem, innovation, and global rankings.

Conclusion

The Government of India’s education initiatives are designed to ensure that India’s educational system evolves in line with global standards while catering to its diverse needs. Through policy reforms like NEP 2020, the expansion of digital education platforms, vocational training, and skill development programs, the GOI is laying the groundwork for an inclusive and dynamic education system that will shape India’s future workforce. These initiatives are setting India on the path to becoming a global leader in education, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.