Uncertainty in Higher Education Policy: A Roadblock on India’s Path to Viksit Bharat 2047 By Atul Gaurav, Director – Pravegaa Education

India aims to become a developed nation by 2047. This vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is built on hope, strategy and innovation. Already, the country is making big gains in roads, digital services and start-ups. However, one key pillar is still weak: a clear, well-funded policy for higher education and research.

Of course, India produces world-class minds. Yet its academic system faces growing uncertainty. So if we are serious about Viksit Bharat, we must face these gaps head-on.

1. Low Spending Holds Back Viksit Bharat 2047

First, let us start with the numbers.

• India spends far less of its GDP on higher education than the USA or China, according to figures from bodies like the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
• On research and development (R&D), India spends only about 0.64% of GDP. By contrast, the US spends about 3.4%, and China about 2.5%, as World Bank data shows.

Clearly, this low spending is a deep structural block. Without more funds, we cannot upgrade labs, build modern institutes, train faculty or keep top research talent. Therefore, the Ministries of Finance and Education must raise public spending to match the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.

2. Confusing Policies and the Unclear Role of NET

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 brought in a 4-year undergraduate degree. Its aim was flexibility and research readiness. Yet the rollout has caused confusion:

• Most universities have no standard syllabus for the fourth year.
• Also, it is unclear how the 4-year degree compares with the 3+2 route.
• Finally, PhD admissions and fellowships do not always value the research done in the fourth year.

As a result, students are left unsure how their path fits their future goals.

On top of this, the role of NET and other exams is unclear:

• Will the 4-year degree replace the need for UGC NET or CSIR NET for research or teaching?
• And if NET stays a must, why is its syllabus not matched with the new NEP structure?

So we need clear policy, soon. Course reforms and exam rules must fit together. Otherwise, the future of millions of students is at risk.

3. National Exams Not Held on Time

Exams like CSIR NET, UGC NET and CUET are more than tests. In fact, they are lifelines for students who want careers in research and teaching. Yet in recent years:

• major national exams have often run late, and
• some exams were postponed or cancelled at short notice, which hurt students’ prep, drive and mental health.

Together, these problems point to a deeper breakdown in the system. So if India wants world-class teachers and scientists, it needs a strong, tech-driven exam system that is open and accountable.

4. NET and GATE Toppers Need a Place in Viksit Bharat 2047

India’s academic quality rests on tough national exams like CSIR NET, UGC NET and GATE. These exams:

• find the most talented students for fellowships, teaching jobs and postgraduate seats, and
• protect merit, especially for students from small towns, villages and modest homes.

But even after qualifying:

• thousands of scholars find no job or research post,
• faculty hiring is often frozen or delayed, and
• many end up in low-paid work or leave academia.

This is not the fault of the exams. Indeed, they matter more than ever. What is missing is a system that values and supports these qualified minds. So instead of weakening NET and GATE, India must protect their value. It must also build clear paths after the exam, so that success leads to real opportunity.

5. Foreign Campuses May Widen the Gap

Letting foreign universities open campuses in India may look progressive. However, it risks creating a new layer of privilege.

In reality, most Indian researchers, professors and PhD scholars come from the middle class. They earned their place through exams like GATE, IIT JAM, CUET, CSIR NET and UGC NET. Moreover, these students rely on public universities, scholarships and low fees.

Foreign campuses will likely charge high fees. As a result, mostly wealthy families will be able to use them, and a two-tier system may form. So rather than importing colleges for the rich, the government should:

• upgrade Indian universities,
• improve research facilities, and
• ensure equal chances for all, based on merit, not money.

Until then, this model may serve only a small elite. Meanwhile, the real engine of Viksit Bharat 2047 could be left behind.

6. Industry and Research Links for Viksit Bharat 2047

In most developed nations:

• industry funds research at universities,
• teachers and students work together on real problems, and
• new ideas move smoothly from lab to market.

In India, however:

• links between industry and academia are weak or missing,
• research is often driven by papers, not by real problems, and
• students graduate with little exposure to applied innovation.

We urgently need a national platform that connects colleges with industry R&D, especially in energy, AI, materials science and biotech. For example, a National Industry-Academia Fellowship Programme could spark this link. Bodies like AICTE could help lead it.

Conclusion: Clear Policy Is the Path to Viksit Bharat 2047

Viksit Bharat 2047 is within reach. But it will not come from infrastructure alone. Instead, it needs steady funding, clear rules, exams held on time and real careers for qualified scholars. If we fix these gaps now, India’s young researchers can truly power the nation’s rise.

At Pravegaa Education, we will keep preparing students for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, JEST and TIFR with the depth that research demands. After all, a developed India needs a strong research workforce.

– Atul Gaurav, Director, Pravegaa Education