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Career Options After 12th Computer Science: Best Career Opportunities in India

Career Options After 12th Computer Science: Best Career Opportunities in India

Updated on 16 February, 2024

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• 16 min read

Career Options After 12th Computer Science

The growing value of computer science in the modern period is causing it to rise in demand. The rapid development of technology combined with an increasing demand for qualified employees has made computer science an incredibly prosperous career.

A student passing their 12th board is stressed worried and full of dreams. If those dreams are channelised well then these students can do wonders in whichever field they choose to go in. Earlier there were few options available to students. But today, wth the advent of technology and options, there are various options available to choose from.

From the tried-and-true paths of earning a Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering or a Bachelor of Computer Applications to the cutting-edge fields of Data Science, Cybersecurity, and mobile application development, there are plenty of excellent options for computer science courses after 12th grade. This blog is your key to accessing your ideal careers in the constantly evolving area of computer science, whether you aim to create the next major mobile app, safeguard the digital frontier, or work in traditional IT industries.

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“What to do after 12th Computer Science?”

If you’re a 12th student studying Computer Science, you must have faced this question multiple times. To help you tackle your confusion, we have prepared the following article. This article will tell you about the best courses after 12th computer science, and the most lucrative career options after 12th Computer Science. Let’s begin:

This is more than simply a career prospect; it is an offer to enter a world where code threads weave the fabric of creativity and algorithms define the future.

From the traditional paths in technology and computing applications to the unexplored realms of data science, cybersecurity, and developing mobile apps, the opportunities are as broad as the digital age itself. Whether you prefer academic research in a B.Sc. degree or want to create thrilling experiences in video game development, the decision is yours.

This blog provides information on areas of expertise, educational pathways, and the state of the technological sector, helping students after 12th computer science which course is best for future and make their way through the many options. Thus, when you find yourself at the moment, let’s explore the multitude of opportunities that lie ahead, urging you to influence the future by utilizing your knowledge of bits and algorithms.

Courses After 12th Computer Science

As a 12th Computer Science student, you have plenty of courses to choose from. Here are the top courses in Computer Science that you can pursue after completing the 12th:

1. B.Tech in Computer Science

One of the most popular and lucrative courses after 12th Computer Science is B.Tech in Computer Science. B.Tech in Computer Science is widely popular because of its massive demand in the industry and its applications. You can also consider doing our Management Essentials Bootcamp if you are interested.

As a B.Tech Computer Science student, you learn about computer science basics and its applications in various areas; such as computer programming and its multiple concepts, including computer software, algorithms, program design, programming languages, computer hardware, computation, and many more.

Learners receive an average Salary hike of 58% with the highest being up to 400%.

B.Tech Computer Science is one of the most sought-after degrees, so you might face a lot of competition while pursuing it. Prominent institutes that issue this degree include IITs, NITs, IIITs, BITS Pilani, etc.

B.Tech in computer science is an ever-evolving field, which has come up with newer trends like artificial intelligence, and computing (edge or quantum). It is expected to grow at the rate of 15% between 2019 to 2029 So pursuing education in computer science after 12th is a beneficial step towards a good career.

After completing this course, you can follow many lucrative careers such as Software Engineer, Software Developer, Data Scientist, etc. The average income of a B.Tech in Computer Science graduate in India is INR 7.3 Lakh per annum. With experience and expertise, your salary in this field can go up to INR 20 Lakh per annum.

The reason it comes under the category of one of the most sought-after computer science courses after 12th is multiple opportunities available post completion of the course. As per one’s interest, the available options could be-

Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Game Designing
Software
Security and Intelligence

2. B.Tech in Information Technology

B.Tech in Information Technology is another popular course choice for computer science students. It differs from the B.Tech in Computer Science in terms of curriculum and goals. While the B.Tech in Computer Science degree focuses on making you familiar with various aspects of computer programming and its concepts, B.Tech in Information Technology focuses on information theory and management.

You get to study Networking, Database Management, Programming, and many other aspects of Information Technology. It’s an excellent course for students who want to pursue a tech career. The I.T. sector has been quite a generous field in terms of salaries and growth opportunities.

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This degree will help you in entering that field effectively. One of the biggest reasons why it’s such a popular choice among students is because of its lucrative packages and salaries. The average pay of a B.Tech in Information Technology graduate is INR 7 Lakh per annum. So if you’re wondering, “What to do after 12th Computer Science?” B.Tech, IT would be a great answer.

It is considered one of the best courses after 12th computer science because it is highly in demand not only in terms of the salary but also in terms of opportunities available. The IT industry holds 8% of India’s GDP in the year 2020. For India, the growth in exports is 50%.

(Source 1, Source 2)

3. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application)

Apart from engineering courses, there are plenty of other courses you can pursue in Computer Science. A popular course choice for Computer Science students is BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application).

In the BCA course, you’ll learn the theory and applications of Computer Science. It makes you familiar with the fundamentals of computers and covers related subjects, including Software Development, Database Management System, Theoretical Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, etc.

It is a great course to pursue a career in the tech sector. You can supplement this degree with a specialized course to pursue advanced roles in the tech industry.

At upGrad, we have mentored thousands of students from across the globe for different courses and careers. Checkout our degree courses offered by upGrad in association with top universities for motivated students like you looking for state-of-the-art BBA courses after completing their 12th.

There is a reason that it comes under one of the high salary courses after 12th computer science, The global market for applications development was USD 131.4 billion in 2020. There are many job opportunities available in computer applications, such as –

Java Developer
Technology Specialist
Web Analyst
Computer Scientist
Software Analyst
Computer Programmer

Looking to boost your job prospects in the tech industry? Discover the best online computer courses for job readiness and elevate your skills to meet the demands of today’s digital workforce.

4. B.Sc. in Computer Science

One of the popular courses after 12th Computer Science is a B.Sc. in Computer Science (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science). Many students confuse the two degrees and think they teach the same thing.

However, there’s a vast difference between B.Sc. Computer Science and BCA. B.Sc. Computer Science teaches you the theory behind Computer Science and focuses more on the related concepts. On the other hand, BCA focuses more on the applications of computers and Computer Science. It comes under one of the most highly demanding degree courses after the 12th computer science.

It is one of the most sort after computer degree courses after 12th, the average annual salary of the BSc. (CS) graduate ranges to 6.0 LPA. Also, there are many career options available in this field, such as –

Systems Analyst
Network Programmer
Computer Graphics
IT Consultant
Backend Developer
Web Designer

5. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT):

Those who are passionate about exploring the dynamic field of technology may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc IT) courses after 12th Computer Science This three-year undergraduate program seamlessly blends theoretical concepts with hands-on practical learning, providing a holistic understanding of information technology.

Students learn programming languages, such as Java and Python, and gain hands-on experience developing software applications.

In addition to technical aspects, B.Sc. IT explores information technology’s business and management aspects, providing a holistic understanding of how IT solutions align with organizational goals. The course typically includes practical sessions, internships, and projects to ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The average B.Sc. IT job income in India is between INR 2.5 and INR 4 LPA in 2024, according to Payscale. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program is adaptable and career-focused, with graduates being well-prepared for positions in various industries. Such as

Software Developers
System Analysts
IT Consultants
Graphic Designer
Information Security Coordinator
Database Administrators
Application Programmer

6. Diploma in Computer Science Engineering:

A Diploma in Computer Science Engineering is a three-year program that offers foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field of computer science and engineering. The curriculum covers a diverse range of subjects, including programming languages, computer networks, database management, software engineering, and system analysis.

For individuals looking for a more concentrated and hands-on approach to technology, pursuing a Diploma in Computer Science after 12th grade in computer science is a wise and calculated decision. Students enrolled in this program gain hands-on experience through practical sessions, projects, and laboratory work. The coursework is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both hardware and software components, preparing students for roles in computer system maintenance, software development, and IT support.

Ambition Box states that the average yearly pay for a Diploma Computer Engineer in India with less than 1 year of experience to 5 years is INR 1.8 LPA, with a salary range of INR 0.2 LPA to INR 7.5 LPA.

7. B.Sc. (Other Science Streams)

You don’t necessarily have to pursue a Computer Science degree after completing 12th with Computer Science. You can enroll in B.Sc streams depending on your chosen subjects in the 12th. Some of the prominent B.Sc. options include:

BSc Agriculture.
BSc Biotechnology.
BSc Zoology.
BSc Clinical Research & Healthcare Management.
BSc Forestry.
BSc Microbiology.
BSc Nursing.
B.Sc. Physiotherapy.
B.Sc. Radiology
B.Sc. Bioinformatics
B.Sc. Physics
B.Sc. Chemistry
B.Sc. Botany

Similarly, you can enroll in B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce), B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), and other courses that cover the fundamentals and theoretical aspects of their subjects.

6. Other Notable Courses

The above list consists of the most popular courses after 12th Computer Science. However, they aren’t the only courses you can do after completing the 12th with Computer Science. Here are some additional degrees you can pursue in this field:

B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
B.Tech in Communication Engineering
B.Tech + M.Tech in Computer Engineering (Integrated Course)
B.Sc. in Software Technology
B.Sc. in Computer Engineering

Also visit upGrad’s Degree Counselling page for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Why You Need To Learn About The Courses For Computer Science Group After 12th

The following are a few advantages of comprehending computer science group courses beyond the 12th grade:

Assists in Preparing For the Future: Planning becomes crucial when you pursue your 12th standard. With a career prospect in mind, things become clear, like what courses would be your best options.
Aids in Career Advancement: Planning early is the key to reaching heights in your career. Knowing which career you want to pursue can help you choose the right course under the computer science group. This can help you become the best candidate in your profile, ensuring fast-paced career advancement.
Time-Saving: You can save time on research by knowing all employment scopes for computer science students after 12th standard.
Diverse Specializations: Specialisations in computer science include data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software development. Finding information about courses facilitates selecting a career path that fits one’s interests.
Skill Development: Different courses focus on specific skill sets, including programming languages, database management, and system analysis. Learning about these courses aids in developing a well-rounded skill profile.
Certification Opportunities: Acquiring knowledge of additional certifications and short courses related to computer science courses can improve skill sets and boost employability.
Industry Relevance: Keeping up with the most recent developments in computer science curricula guarantees that the education is still applicable to business demands, improving the likelihood of landing a good job.

Computer Maths Group Courses After 12th: Job Prospects & Career Options

Following completion of computer math group courses after 12th like BE, B.Sc, or B. Tech degree, someone’s professional options, and job prospects depend on their field of study in addition to their personal interests and skill set.

Here are a few common career paths taken by graduates of these programs:

BE Degree	B. Sc. Degree	B. Tech
Automobile Engineer	Meteorologist	Cloud Solutions Architect
Aerospace Engineer	Geologist	Network Security Specialist
Mechanical Engineer	Environmental Scientist	Database Administrator
Electrical Engineer	Data Analyst	System Analyst
Civil Engineer	Research Scientist	Software Developer

These courses prepare students for dynamic jobs in technology-driven sectors by giving them a solid foundation in mathematics and computer science. The Computer Maths Group provides training in software development, data analysis, and research to prepare students for a wide range of fulfilling employment.

Career Options After 12th Computer Science

Choosing the best courses after 12th in Computer Science is an exciting journey. Each of these career options offers a unique pathway into the world of technology, and by understanding their roles and requirements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Now that you know the courses after 12th Computer Science you can join, let’s discuss the best career options after 12th Computer Science:

1. Software Engineer

One of the most popular career options after 12th Computer Science is software engineering. Software engineers play a critical role in the development and production of software. They work with software designers and developers to create the product.

The pay in this industry is really good and with experience the chances of good salary packages double up. The averag salary of a software developer is 5.1 LPA. It is a dynamic field and with the advent of technology, it is growing to see a rapid growth in coming years.

A software engineer maps out various programming tasks for the different aspects of software production, combining later to create a fully functioning program. Software engineers participate in the design and development of the software. It is a good option to choose among many demanding computer engineering courses after the 12th, the earlier one get into the industry the better it is.

They are responsible for plotting out the automated tasks of the process. Popular employers for this role include Accenture, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, etc.

The median pay of a software engineer in India is INR 5.3 Lakh per annum. Software engineers with more than ten years of professional experience earn around INR 15 Lakh per annum. Your knowledge and expertise can help you climb the corporate ladder and bag senior roles such as Senior Software Engineer, Lead Software Engineer, etc. Apart from a bachelor’s degree, you might need additional software development certification to bag these roles.

Read: In-demand career options for software professionals

2. Cloud Computing Professional

You can aim to enter the cloud computing sector too. It is among the highest paying fields in the tech sector. Cloud computing is the field related to the development and implementation of solutions based in the cloud.

You should be familiar with cloud technology and its various features. As more businesses are shifting to using cloud technology, the demand for cloud computing professionals has risen accordingly. It is among the most sought-after skills, and you can easily bag a lucrative job by learning the necessary skills.

Typical roles in this field are Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Technical Architect, and others. The average could engineer salary in India is 8.3 LPA. There are manay career options to choose from such as-

Cloud Architect
Cloud Consultant
Cloud Security Engineer
DevOps Cloud Engineer

A bachelor’s degree might not be sufficient to bag a high-paying job in this sector. You should get a Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing program It would help you stand out in the recruiters’ eyes and get high-paying roles.

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3. Data Scientist

A relatively new and high-paying career for Computer Science students is data scientist. As a data scientist, you’ll be responsible for collecting and using large quantities of data to solve business problems. The median salary of a data scientist in India is INR 8.14 Lakh per annum. Beginners in this sector earn around INR 3.43 Lakh per annum, whereas with experience, your pay can go up to INR 20 Lakh per year.

Popular employers for this role include IBM India, Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, Amazon, and other large tech companies. The amount of data a business uses nowadays is humongous. They require the expertise of data scientists to help them use this data effectively and generate valuable insights from the same.

There are many career options to choose from in this field such as-

Data Administartor
Data Architect
Data Business Intelligence Developer
Data Analyst
Statistician
Big Data Engineer

Data scientists use many of the latest technologies to achieve this. They perform Machine Learning, Predictive Analysis, Statistical Analysis, and many other tasks. They are responsible for developing efficient frameworks for data collection as well. You can take a data science course after completing a bachelor’s degree to increase your chances of bagging this role.

4. Web Developer

B.Tech is a great scope for computer science students after 12th who seek interest in the world of internet and website development. It helps you come closer to your dream of becoming an IT specialist, who creates back-end and front-end website code. These experts initially ascertain the needs of the business before working with designers to complete the website’s appearance.

Web developers typically use the wireframes created by web designers. They ensure a website is useful, aesthetically pleasing, and secure for users to browse.

5. Application Developer

Courses after 12th bio computer helps you become an expert in application development. An application developer creates, distributes, and maintains software for a particular hardware platform and operating system is what we refer to as an application developer. These experts fix bugs in software, maintain it, and test security holes in patches.

In India, the average yearly income for an application developer is INR 11.2 LPA, with a salary range of INR 3.0 LPA to INR 16.0 LPA.

An application developer may create a desktop or mobile application. To build finished apps, they produce high-quality codes. These experts don’t just create programs; they also test them before use, troubleshoot them, and debug them.

6. Network Security Engineer

One of the best computer engineering courses after 12th – B.Tech, opens the gateway to the world of Network Security Profession. An engineer in network security creates and manages security systems for corporate networks.

These experts guard a company’s network infrastructure by updating cybersecurity software, setting up firewalls, and looking for any security flaws. These experts identify the issue during cyberattacks, isolate it, and fix it to stop more attacks.

7. Cybersecurity Analyst:

A Cybersecurity Analyst is like a digital superhero who protects our online world from cyber threats and villains. They are the guardians of our digital safety. These professionals ensure that computer systems, networks, and sensitive information remain secure from hackers and other malicious activities. They might set up firewalls, which are like protective walls around your digital space, and use antivirus programs to detect and remove any digital intruders.

Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst typically involves pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or a related field. It is well easy for students who are studying computer science after 12th. It’s like attending a special academy to learn the skills needed for this important role. They also often earn certifications to showcase their expertise, much like receiving badges of honor.

The salary range for a Cyber Security Analyst in India is INR 2.7 Lakhs to ₹ 11.5 Lakhs, with an average of INR 6.3 LPA.

8. AI/Machine Learning Engineer:

Becoming an AI/Machine Learning Engineer is one of the most desired computer degree courses after 12th grade. An AI/Machine Learning Engineer is like a digital creator who teaches computers to learn and make decisions on their own.

To be an AI/Machine Learning Engineer, one usually pursues a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. Think of it as attending a school where you learn the language of machines. Machine Learning Engineer salaries in India range between INR 4.0 LPA to INR 30.0 LPA with an average annual salary of INR 11.6 LPA. Additionally, these engineers often specialize in languages like Python and engage in real-world projects to hone their skills.

9. IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist is like a friendly tech expert who helps solve computer problems and ensures everything runs smoothly in the digital world. These specialists assist individuals and organizations by troubleshooting issues, fixing glitches, and offering solutions for computer-related challenges.

A bachelor’s degree in IT support or a similar discipline is normally pursued to work as an IT support specialist. An IT support specialist typically makes INR 5.5 LPA a year. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are key in this role, ensuring they can explain solutions in plain language.

10. Database Administrator

A Database Administrator (DBA) is like a digital librarian who organizes and safeguards information in a virtual library. They are the guardians of data, ensuring it’s stored, retrieved, and managed effectively.

The typical path to becoming a database administrator is to seek a bachelor’s degree in database management after completing their 12th grade in computer science. DBAs manage specialized software to handle data efficiently. The average yearly income for a Database Administrator (DBA) in India is INR 10.6 LPA, with a salary range of INR 4.8 LPA to INR 23.5 LPA. They focus on maintaining the integrity and security of databases, acting as the guardians of our digital knowledge.

Wrapping Up

After completing the 12th grade, there are a plethora of high-salary courses after 12th computer science available, which presents an unlimited opportunity landscape in India. The options are numerous and exciting, ranging from the fields of software development, cybersecurity, and data science to the complexities of network administration and artificial intelligence. These top computer science engineering courses after 12th meet the expanding needs of the tech-driven world in addition to satisfying personal interests. The best job prospects in India are found in the vibrant and rapidly growing field of computer science, regardless of whether a student chooses to enroll in a highly specialized program or a standard degree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which job has the highest salary in science?

Gone are the days when two professions (Doctor and Engineer) were the high-salary options available in the science field. Today with the advent of technology and globalisation, the opportunities have increased tremendously. The job will be determined by the area of interest one has, some of the high-salary job opportunities in science are mentioned below: 1. Full stack Developer- Ranges between 2.5 L - 17.0 L and the average salary is 6.6 LPA. 2. Data Scientist- Ranges between 4.5 L- 25.0 L and the average salary is 11.0 LPA. 3. Biotechnologist - Ranges between 0.2 L- 6.2 L and the average salary is 3.0 LPA. 4. Machine Learning Experts- Ranges between 3.5 L- 21.5 L and the average salary is 7.5 LPA. 5. Software Engineer- Ranges between 3.0 L and 14.2 L and the average salary is 5.5 LPA. 6. Blockchain Developer- Ranges between 2.2 L and 20.9 L and the average salary is 6.8 LPA 7. Medical Surgeon - Ranges between 1.0L-24.0 L and the average salary is 10.8 LPA.

2. Which course has good scope in future?

Time and effort invested in education are never wasted, it always bears fruits. Some of the courses having a good scope in the future are mentioned below - Data Science, Machine Learning (AI/ Robotics), Cloud Computing, Digital Marketing, Engineering (Aeronautical/ Automobile/ Nuclear), Data Analyst, Management/ MBA (Finance, Marketing, HRM, Operations and Management), Software Development, Blockchain Developer, Biotechnology, Medicine, Full Stack Development, Pharmacy, Economics, Digital Marketing, Law.

3. Is Computer Science in demand?

Yes, there is no doubt that computer science has a very good scope. The boundaries are not only limited in India but across the borders as well. There is a huge demand for computer science professionals in the market today. The reason contributing to its rage is the advent of technology, the applicability of computer science has increased that it is required in almost every domain. This is one of the reasons behind the high salaries given to computer science professionals.

4. Which brand of computer science is in demand?

Data Science, Machine Learning, Systems Engineer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Game Developer, AI Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Data Architect.

5. What is the easiest course in computer science?

Cyber Security Full Stack Development, AI Developer, IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud Computing, Bioinformatics, Software Engineering.

6. Which is better CSE or IT?

Both of the fields are known to be having good scope in the industry. But if we compare then CSE is better than IT because of its vast applicability. IT is majorly contributing to solving computer-related problems rather CSE has its application in every domain as has been discussed earlier.

7. Is B. Tech computer science tough?

The rigor of a course is determined by many factors. But if this question has to be answered, then yes it is not the easiest degree to do. There are many fundamental and higher levels of subjects one has to learn, such as mathematics, programming languages, tools, etc. But this does not mean that it is not doable, if given good teaching, guidance, and assistance it is easier to sail through the course. But in the end, one thing which makes it all better is the power of self-study.

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Sriram

Meet Sriram, an SEO executive and blog content marketing whiz. He has a knack for crafting compelling content that not only engages readers but also boosts website traffic and conversions. When he's not busy optimizing websites or brainstorming blog ideas, you can find him lost in fictional books that transport him to magical worlds full of dragons, wizards, and aliens.

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Working Professional’s Need of Staying Relevant

Online education across segments and students population is emerging as a popular option for individuals. Across age groups, online education is getting adopted. A segment where we at UpGrad feel that online adoption will be rapid, is the working professional segment. And there are multiple reasons for the same – from their ability to pay, their willingness to move up in their career etc. In this piece I want to touch upon a key trend that we are targeting – changing requirements of the industry and the need to continuously upgrade for working professionals. To give an example, a few decades ago – a farmer’s son would be a farmer; a carpenter’s son would be a carpenter. Things changed over time, and a farmer’s son started becoming an engineer. And in today’s world, an engineer goes through 5+ career shifts in his/her career span. There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050, So Get Yourself Skilled NOW! Marketing is not the way it used to be 10 years back. Payment is not the way it used to be 5 years back. Data analysis has undergone drastic changes. And in this digital age, the rate of this change is going to further accelerate. Industry will evolve rapidly, and as working professionals, each one of us has to keep up with this changing requirement. Industry is not going to wait for the individual to get upskilled or upgraded, and a large part of the onus will lie with the individual. Further, the rate at which the needs of the industries are changing; our current university system is not able to cope up. Therefore, individuals have to look for alternate options to add relevant skills to their portfolio. This is where online education comes into the fore. Professionals today do not have the flexibility of leaving their jobs and going to a school to learn new skills. Online education platforms are great options for these professionals who are looking to continuously upgrade, while continuing to stay in their jobs. Unlike offline education, online medium provides the advantage of being able to update the program curriculum and content regularly, and keep it relevant to the industry needs. Online medium also allows real-life problems to come to working professionals learning, where an individual can actually live the real-life situations in the form of case studies. Top 10 Essential Tools For Startup Business in India In the digital age, each individual will have to continuously upskill himself/ herself to stay relevant, and that would provide a large opportunity for edtech startups to create scale platforms. EdTech startups will have to look for opportunities where there is a significant demand supply gap, and look at providing right education programs. The biggest challenge in this will be the ability of edtech startups to design the program content for digital medium, rather than replicate what is being covered in the offline programs. Taking advantage of the digital channel will be key here. So for all edtech startups, keep your ears on the ground, and look for areas and skills that will allow you to build scale learning platform.

by Mayank Kumar

20 Apr'16

5.07K+

Google I/O 2016 – Day 1 | Recap

The most awaited Google I/O 2016 Conference was filled with announcements about improvements in current products and launch of some new products. In this article, we have summarized the biggest announcements from Day 1 of the conference. Google Allo Allo is Google’s new messaging app with resident chatbot. It has features like whisper/shout, expressive stickers, smart replies- which evolve with time and wide range of bot support especially the Google Assistant search bot. One of the most important features of Allo is that all its chats are encrypted but incognito mode offers end-to-end encryption and an option to send messages that self-destruct. Additionally, once you close a chat, the entire conversation is deleted forever. Google Duo Duo is Google’s mobile only companion app for Allo that helps in video calling. One of its special feature is ‘Knock Knock’ which lets users see the incoming video call feed before even answering the call. So, the receiving party can see who’s calling and where they are before they even pick up the call. Google Assistant Google takes search to the next level. Google Assistant supports “conversational understanding” to make search more natural and to better support voice searches. Google Home Home is built on the Chromecast standard, which lets it push media to other Cast-compatible speakers and screens, change temperature or lighting through Nest devices, and integrate with third party services. The entire experience is hands-free, powered entirely by voice. In fact, it doesn’t even have any buttons. Simple voice commands will control every aspect of the Home. Android N Android N comes with new features that include more control over notification size from different apps and a new picture-in-picture mode. Android N uses a new API called Vulkan that lets developers directly control a phone’s GPU for sharper 3D graphics. Android N will also download and install system updates automatically. The name of Android N has not yet been released. It is going to be selected through a crowdsourced contest. Google Daydream Google has a new VR platform built on top of Android N, and the new VR platform is called Google Daydream. It is an optimized virtual reality platform that aims to standardize the mobile-based VR experience. It also spans both software and hardware; Its biggest limitation is that it will be available only in new phones with special sensors and screen. Android Wear 2.0 Android Wear 2.0 can function independently of a smartphone. Apps no longer need a connected smartphone in order to function. Apps can function and even communicate without a phone, as long as the wearable device is connected to the internet via cellular or Wi-Fi. Users can also make data from any app show up on any watch face. Instant Apps One of the most interesting announcement was google Instant Apps. With Instant Apps, users can begin using an app instantly from right within the Google Play store without even having to download and install the app. As we can see, Google has made some big moves in the three hottest areas of tech – virtual reality, messaging, and smart assistants. However it would be interesting to see how these new products will compete with their competitors and how much of market share would they capture after their launch.

by Dilip Guru

19 May'16

898.94K+

There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050, So Get Yourself Skilled NOW

This isn’t just a catchy headline meant to shock you, though that would be a justified reaction. If you are 25 years old, have graduated from a reputed institute in a traditional higher education discipline and are looking for a job, you may not be handed one on a platter any time soon. You may be cushioned within the famous Indian demographic that is supposed to yield a “dividend”, but unlike what you’ve been reading everywhere, this does not guarantee you employment. Between 1980 to 2010, 90% of world labour force growth occurred in developing countries and about 500 million new workers emerged in India and China alone (workers went from 260 million to 470 million in India, between this period). India, along with other developing counterparts, is all set to fuel 60% of the global growth in labour in the upcoming years. Keep in mind that enrolment in Indian higher education is only 24% right now. With India attaining almost universal elementary education and increased retention in secondary schools, the projected demand for higher education and jobs thereafter, will only escalate. By 2050, India will be home to more than a billion job seekers. This means providing jobs for over 12 million new entrants annually. There is also the challenge of finding jobs for the backlog, which reached 60 million by 2014. So isn’t this good news? India finally placed on the world map with a solid advantage where labour supply is concerned. Well, it may not all be good news. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable. Currently, only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable. Indian millennials are being touted as the future of jobs and the saviours of the working world. But this won’t hold true if in-demand skills are not imparted to the youth entering the workforce. The world of work is changing and industries are transforming. It’s a fact that we are moving towards a massive labour pool, but we are possibly riding a low-skill, low-wage cycle to get there. The country is on a trajectory that involves a surplus of millions of low-skill workers, whereas most nations, including India, will be increasingly demanding a high-skill workforce. Impacting Education: My Journey and UpGrad Most industries are replacing low-skill jobs with high-skill ones. Skills relating to upcoming technologies like cloud computing, social media, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, etc, are gaining immense relevance. Unfortunately, our education system is not preparing students well enough to enter the workforce as high-skill workers or equipping them with skills in the mentioned emerging domains. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable. Currently, only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The positive connotation associated with our demographic shift has been taken for granted and assigned the term “dividend.” But if we don’t strategically harness this change, we could very easily be faced with a demographic disaster. We don’t want to be stuck in a situation where we have too many job-seekers with inadequate skills, and therefore not enough jobs for them. India is moving workers out of farm jobs at a very fast rate, and this will only add to the burden of providing jobs in other sectors. We need a wake-up call and more concerted efforts towards large-scale skill development and training. We may have a situation of too few high-skill workers and not enough jobs for medium- or low-skill workers. This needs to be rectified by adjusting the education and skilling system to ready ourselves for the jobs of tomorrow. UpGrad develops various programs such as Digital Marketing Certification Program, and Product Management Certification Program in collaboration with IIIT Bangalore, specially designed for working professionals looking to up-skill themselves. Check out the free courses.

by Mayank Kumar

20 Jun'16

6.57K+

Only 25% Of Indian Graduates Are Employable, And The Solution Is Obvious

Co-authored by: Apoorva Shankar, Business Development Associate, UpGrad The world today has enhanced productivity requirements. Due to this, the demand for highly skilled labour is growing. China and India are set to drive this demand. Globally, the share of low-skill jobs is likely to decline from 74% of employment in 2010 to 62% by 2020. On the other hand, the shortage of highly skilled workers with a tertiary level of education is expected to reach 18 million by 2020, globally. But due to its demographic dividend, India will have a labour surplus of 47 million by 2020. However, this surplus may only be of low-skilled labour. And while the demand for highly skilled labour is increasing, the supply isn’t quite keeping up. The challenge, as well as opportunity, that India faces is how to train such a large reserve of labour and convert low skills to high skills. One solution that immediately comes to mind is providing higher education for all. But at present only 24% of those meant to be participating in higher education, are actually enrolled. Plus, traditional college or university pedagogy has been increasingly criticized for being outdated and irrelevant to the jobs market. If you attended school or college in India, you will have first-hand experience of the ills that plague the system. Some of the reasons for this are: Absence of a customized or personalized approach to education (necessary as different students have different needs and learning capabilities). Restricted resources due to not-for-profit nature of educational institutes and over-regulation. Lack of technology infrastructure. Poor teaching quality. Lack of skills-based learning. Low focus on research and development. Minimal partnerships with industry/foreign academia. Outdated curricula not reflecting requirements of a dynamic market environment. Skill-intensive industries are expected to contribute more than 90% of India’s GDP by 2030. The opportunity is staring at us in the face. Only about 25% of Indian graduates are considered employable by the organized sector. Further, 48% of Indian employers said they were having difficulty in filling jobs, in 2012. Despite employers expressing difficulty in finding employable candidates, in 2009-10 the unemployment rates in India were higher for those who were more educated (graduates had more difficulty finding jobs than secondary or primary level graduates). [b_color background=”#EDFF3D”] Also Read – Technology will surely kill some jobs, but not all of them [/b_color] So Indian education, in its current form, hasn’t proved to be enough training for the incoming workforce. The numbers also prove that just completing higher education in any field is not all it takes anymore. This pinch is being increasingly felt as the world of jobs is turning upside down; which is why we need skill training. Skill-intensive industries are expected to contribute more than 90% of India’s GDP by 2030. The opportunity is staring at us in the face. It’s not just about the potential but also the responsibility we are tasked with — restoring balance to the global supply of labour. The country needs to invest in skill development and training for a large chunk of its population. Exploiting sheer numbers is therefore one major reason to skill our workers. Secondly, the demand for advanced skill-sets in emerging areas is growing. Knowledge-intensive roles such as finance, business, etc, and those related to information technology and entrepreneurship are gaining momentum. The reality that these skills must be acquired will take root for more and more individuals, including drop-outs from the mainstream education system and those who have completed such education. Currently, the actual supply of these workers falls drastically short of matching growing demand. Hence, the gaps in domain knowledge are another reason to scale up the skilling. You are likely to be at a disadvantage, in terms of skill training and thereby employability, when compared to someone your age in China, USA, South Korea… In China about 47% of the workforce has received some kind of skill training, 52% in USA, 68% in UK, 75% in Germany, 80% in Japan and 96% in South Korea. Comparatively, only about 10% of the Indian workforce received such training in 2008. India is seventh in the category of countries facing maximum difficulty in filling jobs, i.e., 58% difficulty, where the global average is 38%. These figures reflect that just belonging to the young Indian demographic is not enough. You are likely to be at a disadvantage, in terms of skill training and thereby employability, when compared to someone your age in China, USA, South Korea etc. To address these imbalances, India needs unprecedented increase in both education and job creation. At this point, there is no guaranteed advantage for India in the contest for high-skill talent. It will be dependent on skilling. Considering the state of higher education and the skill upgrade required to be carried out in the future, the process will not just be about learning for professionals, but rather unlearning and re-learning.

by Mayank Kumar

13 Jul'16

5.19K+

7 reasons to watch UpGrad Talks today

There is really no secret sauce for success. Provided you have had the opportunity to view the exclusive online tete-e-tete sessions brought to you by UpGrad Talks. With an amazing roster of world-class speakers, some from the top 1000 companies of India such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Sky, Coca Cola, JP Morgan, JWT to start-up poster children such as RedBus, Snadeal, Ola & Zivame and many more, Upgrad Talks provides insights into their formulae for success. The talks also share deep learning from situations that didn’t work out and many valuable nuggets of honest, down-to-earth and practical advice from successful entrepreneurs, experts and industry leaders. While some lip service has been paid to new-age technologies and skill sets, and the evolution of industries because of these, a deeper understanding of what this signifies is missing. Upgrad Talks intends to fill this gap by bringing together thought-leaders from different walks of life and raising the level of discourse in this area, as they share their experiences. Here are the top reasons why you must visit talks.upgrad.com today and make it your daily source of insights and motivation: Get Inspired Inspiration can come from many different sources. You may get inspired when you see a problem that needs a solution, which you are able to ideate, or get inspired when you hear stories of adversity being overcome by sheer willpower. Rarely does the simple existence of wealth inspire us. It may motivate us to work harder, but inspiration stems from a deeper place that needs real stories. Upgrad Talks are stories from the folks who have lived these stories, first hand. Not only does hearing someone’s complete story of challenges, thought process and subsequent outcome inspire, it also gives birth to new ideas and provides impetus to grow in your own space. Moreover, inspiration also stems from well-put statements such as, ‘attitude will sail you through,’ by Harit Nagpal, CEO of Tata Sky. A key benefit of listening to industry leaders is that it also inspires us to think. ‘What we think, we become,’ is a quote by Buddha that sums up this well. Go ahead, face challenges It does not matter if you are a startup or an established financial organization; challenges, big or small, exist in every level of most businesses. Challenges faced, strategized and overcome is the rite of passage for almost everyone. Not only do Upgrad Talks cover challenges faced by leading industry veterans, it also covers it from various stages of businesses along with discussion of the solutions that helped overcome them. Upgrad Talks speakers’ discuss challenges faced by businesses in different spaces, which makes these talks an interesting listen. Furthermore, is quite motivating to hear the candid conversations of business leaders. So what is the common thought on challenges in the Upgrad Talks? No challenge is too big. It also strengthens the belief that challenges help you grow and become stronger and develops a sense of confidence to take on the next big challenge. Learn from influencers People who can motivate are great influencers. To hear success stories at Upgrad Talks, which have been driven by deep-rooted passion as well as courage of conviction can be a great influence on most people. It is likely to help you push yourself to greater heights and also follow your dreams a bit more diligently. To quote Snapdeal’s Kunal Bahl, ‘ there is a fine line between stubbornness and persistence.’ Upgrad Talks is likely to help you define the lines as an excellent selection of influencers talk also about the key soft skills required to make it a significant mark on the industry that you belong to. Mentoring As you listen to entrepreneurs, business leaders and experts on models that have worked, one can also start drawing parallels to one’s one business or profession. Mentoring of this kind is both subtle and effective as it helps you choose some key takeaways from the shared experiences that are most relevant to you. Follow the series to get premium access to the best mentors in the country as they talk about education, the emerging digital age and its impact on businesses, talent shortages and advice to youngsters. A bit of crystal gazing In the series of Upgrad Talks, one is likely to come across a vast amount of business knowledge which has been converted into digestible insights that can also help you choose the next steps in your career. Speakers’ at Upgrad Talks share their business mantras and what the future is likely to be. This is crystal gazing of the finest variety and yet another reason to tune into the talks. A healthy dash of optimism One of the unique selling points of the Upgrad Talks is that they also brings out the combined optimism in business from key industry leaders. Apart from that one can learn what is next in the industry, and explore potential future opportunities in the workspace. The upbeat and positive nature of these talks makes them a must-listen. Easily available online Just in case you were wondering how far you would need to travel to listen to such a wide range of speakers, you can breath easy. Upgrad Talks are delivered online and you can listen to them at your own convenience. All you need to do is to long onto talks.upgrad.com and you can access high quality, pre-recorded sessions online. Upgrad is making content richer, bigger and better as it kicks off with 15+ talks delivered by entrepreneurs, experts & business leaders. You definitely do not want to miss out on the educational transformation that UpGrad is fuelling in partnership with some of the greatest minds. Remember, one can never stop learning. So, if you always aspired to hear great advice and insights from the top Indian business leaders on how you can grow your business, choose a career goal or get inspired, do take a look at Upgrad Talks. They are truly the voices that impact. Join us today and be a part of it at talks.upgrad.com.

by Omkar Pradhan

06 Aug'16

5.36K+

Evolving online education: Learning Together

Technologies in online learning have been making promises since early 20th century. From radio to present day MOOCs, multiple new technologies were seen as silver bullet in revolutionising education. These promises were indeed laudable, to make education accessible to everyone, affordable for everyone and more effective. Yet, the same history of unmet expectations has been repeated every time*. Although a lot has happened over the past decade in terms of growth and expansion of online education, there are many challenges yet to be solved before we can say online learning has truly arrived. We, at UpGrad, believe the following three challenges are the biggest hurdles to the success of online education. Isolation: Online learning is solitary experience Acceptability: Online learning’s validity in the Job Market Not Engaging: Interplay of distractions and motivations in learning online The dismally low completion rates and high failure rates are reflection of these challenges [1]. Our goal at UpGrad is to fight these challenges and provide an unmatched learning experience for the working professionals. We believe, with the flexibility of online learning, every working professional can “UpGrade” himself without going back to full-time formal education. Hence, we need to to make online learning mainstream. In this article we would be sharing how are setting the online learning as a ‘Social Experience’ for our students, ie the first of the three mentioned challenges. In 2000s, internet surfing was mainly an individual experience and on the other hand, in 2016 almost all of internet time is a social experience. We do not feel alone in 2016 version of internet. We believe online education will have much higher engagement and completion rates once it becomes a social experience. An average student’s e-learning journey is an individual experience making him/her feel isolated. Learners move through the course with limited interactions with both their instructor and classmates. We at UpGrad, are building a new learning platform specifically designed keeping our students and their needs in mind. We believe this would be key to provide the kind of engagement levels the students deserve. The perception of social presence (or lack of) is a big concern among students and teachers in online learning. Teachers develop courses in isolation and the students take the courses in isolation. Researchers have found strong correlation between the sense of social presence facilitated by the course and student’s perceived learning [3,4,5]. Also there is good re correlation between withdrawal in the course and student’s perceived lack of social interaction and instructor presence [3]. Lack of social interaction in e-learning increases the distraction, since a learner would look for social interaction elsewhere which is usually Twitter, Whatsapp or Facebook. If there is another learner doing the same course in my apartment building, there are limited chances that I would know about him. As learners of online courses, we are oblivious of everyone else’s presence except few replies on the discussion forum. They do form Facebook groups or Whatsapp groups organically, yet the whole online learning format ends up being mostly a solo experience. Here are the steps we are taking at UpGrad in making our online programs a social experience.: Profiles : The first step in ‘social’ e-learning is knowing your classmates. We have learner profiles with education and work history along with other details. Almost everyone is encouraged to fill in their full profile along with a descriptive ‘bio’ section. There are multiple points where learners are nudged to click on the profiles. To improve discoverability of relevant profiles we not only leverage cohort social graph but also use interest graph, performance graph, complementary skills graphs. Combined with other semi random** algorithms like who was recently online, learners bump into each other in interesting ways. In the first month of Data Analytics Program, an average engaged learner viewed peer profiles 110 times. Discussions: We have a discussion forum which is contextual and relevant to the course content. We designed it from the ground up to involve learners during the course. They help each other, solve doubts, ask questions, have healthy debates on the forum. Only when there is no consensus a Teaching Assistant gets involved in clearing the doubts. Last 3 months data shows that on a daily basis 50% of the students who are engaged on the platform, also engaged actively on the discussion forum. As most professionals have different backgrounds, sharing of experiences on the forum is much valuable to everyone in the cohort. We have seen learners fall into three buckets on the forum. First is the majority producers, the top 30% of forum content producers are responsible for around 70% of the discussions. The next 50% do the rest of 30% of the content but continue to voice their opinions through upvotes. Rest of the 20% are mere observers. These numbers are highly encouraging and we will be investing more time in finding out how student-student social interactions can help in overall engagement. Figure 1: Forum topic distribution in one of our programs. Share in the pie is (questions * votes) for each topic. Bigger share of the pie is a proxy for doubts. This lead us to start live sessions on those topics. Thought Leader AMAs: Initiating and maintaining engagement on the forum is hard. To set the ball rolling, we started the discussion forum for a new cohort with getting a thought leader to do an AMA on the platform. This way not only the students got a product onboarding experience but also the social expectation was set amongst the peers. In some months, the total content creation during AMAs ended up around 20% of the total cumulative content. We also observed a side benefit of starting the program with thought leader – that learners are more helpful, behave with more civility and show much more respect for each other. This is not very unusual because it is known that a group’s eventual social dynamics are very much impacted by behaviour in initial few days. In a way, it sets the trend which follows upto the end of the course. We also explored bringing in external motivations to see how does it impact on engagement levels. At times, there were small gifts for top forum contributors and at times we included forum participation in the grading. Our primary observations show that this is to be used cautiously. We are working on establishing a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations for social involvement. Facebook Groups: For all cohorts we have Facebook groups for students apart from the platform discussion forum. We were not very confident how much our forum will be used for non academic discussions and generic social sharing. However, we found more and more discussions of generic nature and sharing of articles & blogs also started happening on the forum. Hence facebook group ended up becoming redundant. We are thinking of doing away with a cohort’s facebook group with this expanded use of discussion forum In summary, having a strong sense of community within the students is a big predictor of learning outcomes. This has been researched multiple times [7, 8]. Our platform’s usage data of course progress and social interaction activity strongly confirms this research. At a time, a learner who is socially engaged on our platform has usually completed 4 times (Figure 2) course materials than a learner who does not participate in social discussions. This high correlation has been repeated across multiple cohorts. Figure 2: At a snapshot of time course completion rates for learners active on forum vs non active. Apart from the student isolation e-learning content creators and facilitators tend to work in isolation, reflecting and sharing of best practices is minimal[6]. We at UpGrad are aware of this problem, and making sure different program teams collaborate and share solutions to common problems. We do not have complete solution to isolation in learning yet. We as a company are focussed on solving this problem, we are testing out few ideas and are willing to share the results with the community. With these changes we are expecting online learning experience to be more engaging, more involving and eventually pushing up the low completion rates of online learning. These are early days of online education and we have miles to go. Bibliography [1] http://collegequarterly.ca/2007-vol10-num03-summer/rolfe.html [2] Online Social Networks as Formal Learning Environments: Learner Experiences and Activities, The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Vol 13, No 1 (2012) [3] Tello SF (2007). An analysis of student persistence in online education. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education [4] Herbert, M. (2006). Staying the course: A study in online student satisfaction and retention. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 9(4). [5] Morris, T. A. (2009). Anytime/anywhere online learning: Does it remove barriers for adult learners. In T.Kidd (Ed.), Online education and adult learning: New frontiers for teaching practices. Hershey, PA:IGI Global. [6] Duncan, H & Barnett J (2009) Learning to teach online. [7] Kaulback, B (2015). Learning Together : Community and Network from the perspective of designers of online learning. (Doctoral dissertation) [8] Bernard, R. M., Abrami, P. C., Borokhovski, E., Wade, C. A., Tamim, R. M., Surkes, M. A., & Bethel, E. C. (2009). A meta-analysis of three types of interaction treatments in distance education. Review of Educational Research, 79(3), 1243–1289.

by Ankit Mittal

08 Aug'16

898.95K+

Skill deprivation: Education alone won’t guarantee a job, in-demand skills need of hour

If you are 25 years old, hold a degree in a traditional arts discipline from a well-regarded institute and are looking for a job, you may not be handed one on a platter any time soon. You may be cushioned within the famous Indian demographic that is supposed to yield a ‘dividend,’ but unlike what you’ve been reading everywhere, this does not guarantee you employment. Between 1980 to 2010, 90% of world labour force growth occurred in developing countries and about 500 million new workers emerged in India and China alone (workers went from 260 million to 470 million in India, between this period). India is all set to power most of global growth in labour in the coming years. Enrolment in Indian higher education is 24% right now. With India attaining almost universal elementary education, and increased retention in secondary schools, the projected demand for higher education and jobs will only escalate. India has finally been placed on the world map with a solid advantage where labour supply is concerned. Impacting Education: My Journey and UpGrad It’s not all good news though. Indian millennials are being touted as the future of jobs and the saviours of the working world. But this won’t hold true if in-demand skills are not imparted to the youth entering the workforce. The world of work is changing and industries are transforming. It’s a fact that we are moving towards a massive labour pool, but we are possibly riding a low-skill, low-wage cycle to get there. The country is on a trajectory that involves a surplus of millions of low-skill workers, whereas most nations, including India, will be demanding high-skill workers more and more. Most industries are replacing low-skill jobs with high-skill ones. Skills relating to upcoming technologies in advanced areas – think AI, robotics, data science and mining – are gaining immense relevance. Unfortunately, our education system is not preparing students well enough to enter the workforce as high-skill workers nor equipping them with skills in emerging domains. Curricula is outdated and pedagogy poorly-developed. Gone are the days when just holding a graduate degree was enough to get employers to clamour to hire you. Education is not enough. The new-age job-seeker must strive to acquire specific skill sets to be considered employable (currently only 43% of Indian youth are considered fully employable). This applies to all sectors of the economy, as most industries and businesses are adopting new-age technologies and going digital within most functions. There’ll Be A Billion-Plus Job-Seekers By 2050! The positive connotation associated with our demographic shift has been taken for granted and assigned the term ‘dividend.’ But if we don’t strategically harness this change, we could easily be faced with a demographic disaster. We don’t want to be stuck in a situation where we have too many job-seekers with inadequate skills, and therefore not enough jobs for them. India is moving workers out of farm jobs at a very fast rate, and this will only add to the burden of providing jobs in other sectors. Realising this, even the government has begun focusing on skill development and training. Creating an entirely new Ministry and launching the Skill India Mission are clear indications of this. Another sign that skill training is gaining momentum is reflected in the growth of the Indian education and skills industry at an average rate of 13% over four years. From Rs 1.21 trillion in 2008 to Rs 2.35 trillion in 2012. However, these measures have not been enough to successfully skill India’s young. Only 2% of the Indian workforce has received some kind of formal skills training so far, and 8% have received informal training. Comparatively, 47% of China’s workforce is skill trained, 52% in USA, 68% in UK, 75% in Germany, 80% in Japan and 96% in South Korea. Almost half of Indian employers find it difficult to fill jobs and a similar proportion of employed youth suffer from some degree of skill deprivation. By 2050, India will be home to more than a billion jobseekers. This means providing jobs for over 12 million new entrants annually. There is also the challenge of finding jobs for the backlog, which reached 60 million by 2014. The pace of accretion to the labour market will keep increasing, given our demographic profile and declining age-dependency ratio. Our working age population (15-64 years) will peak in 2050 and till then pressures for jobs will only become worse. We need a wake-up call and more concerted efforts towards large-scale skill development and training. We may have a situation of too few high-skill workers and not enough jobs for medium or low-skill workers. This needs to be rectified by adjusting the education and skilling system to ready ourselves for the jobs of tomorrow. Article Source: http://www.firstpost.com/business/skill-deprivation-education-alone-wont-guarantee-a-job-in-demand-skills-need-of-hour-3020568.html

by Apoorva Shankar

08 Nov'16

5.13K+

Why The Growth Of Higher Education In India Hinges On The Private Sector

For the sake of simplicity, let’s say that the public sector’s role in education can be identified as a three-fold one. Firstly, it is tasked with universalizing access to education. Its next responsibility would be to regulate the sector and finally, to ensure quality education for all. In the context of the access provider role, estimates show that just in terms of physical infrastructure, more than a US $100 billion spends would be required in higher education alone, to double enrollment, from where it stands today (24%). Where regulation is concerned, bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other higher education regulators are in-charge but leave much to be desired in terms of quality checks and monitoring, accreditation, etc. In fact, the UGC merely acts as a grants disbursing body now for universities and colleges, rather than a regulator. This is despite the fact that about 16% of the Ministry’s budget (2016-17) was allocated to UGC. Regarding quality, the government struggles to set standards and measure outcomes. Accreditation in the country is irregular and sub-optimal. In addition, unlike school education, where a certain level of learning outcomes may be gauged, this is difficult to do in higher education – especially assessing employability of a student post completing such education. So is there a role the government should prioritise? Further, because the government is entrusted with these roles, does it necessarily mean that they are its exclusive mandate? Or should the government act as an enabler and allow external participation if it means better execution and a higher success rate? The education and training industry is extremely large today and has strong further growth potential. With total educational spending of $2.7 trillion, the industry accounted for about 4.25% of the world’s GDP in 2010. In India alone, the spending on education and skilling has touched approximately Rs 74,000 crore. This may seem like a daunting figure but is still not sufficient. India spends about 4% of its GDP on all of education (about 1% on higher education), whereas globally the minimum recommended expenditure on education is 6% of GDP. Most of the public expenditure on higher education is used upon salaries and maintaining existing institutions, leaving very little to be spent on curriculum, research, and technology. However, spending on education still has enormous scaling to do and this is where the private sector comes in. Private players will have opportunities from rising demand in segments not well covered by the public education system (like adult education and vocational training). They bring in additional capital and are able to make huge investments, especially when government spending is insufficient and results in substantial infrastructure and investment deficit. For instance, the government had set a target of achieving a 30% enrolment ratio in higher education by 2020. The enrolment ratio currently is 24%. Judging by historical trends, and the current pace of rising enrolments, this target seems difficult to achieve. We may need a better, plan to succeed. Plus, the demand for higher education is only set to accelerate with growing population, higher enrolment as well as retention of students in schools. The private sector could play a crucial role in plugging these gaps and matching demand. In fact, it is already capturing the market in a big way, as can be seen in the adjacent graph. Enrolment in, and share of, private higher education institutions has surpassed that of government institutions (data as on 2013). Even the online education market in India expected to grow to US $40 billion by as soon as 2017. Unlike the education sector, which is legally mandated to operate on a not-for-profit basis, for-profit skill training institutes can be set up. This, coupled with initiatives of the National Skill Development Corporation, has encouraged the private sector to set up vocational training institutes. Corporate interest has also increased in the skill development space because of the benefits that accrue to businesses themselves, in the form of adequately trained manpower as a ready pool for future hiring. Majority of institutions offering professional disciplines are now in the private sector. There is a tendency of the public sector to view the private sector’s involvement in the education space with scepticism. But the private sector is necessary because of its ability to match industry demand for superior skilled manpower. It supplements infrastructure, facilities, technology and pedagogy and has an added advantage of escaping bureaucratic control and retaining autonomy to a large extent. Private players often collaborate with reputed international universities for faculty and other benefits which can be attractive to prospective students. They are also heavily investing in research-based education. As consumers of skilled manpower as well, the private sector is in a position to understand what type of skill training is to be imparted, and eventually benefit from it. This makes skill-training more efficient and effective. All three education-related roles of the government are equally important. However, while regulation should remain outside the purview of the private sector, nothing should stop them from assisting the public sector in maximising enrolments and improving quality of education. Public needs to work with private and create a level-playing field, in order to uplift the overall quality of education. Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.in/mayank-kumar/why-the-growth-of-higher-education-in-india-hinges-on-the-privat/

by Apoorva Shankar

08 Nov'16