In the upcoming years, there can be a change in the pattern of Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. The US and Indian governments are collaborating closely on a number of projects that will improve the standard of education for kids. Apparently, the US State Department is developing a curriculum that follows India's New Education Policy (NEP). The program will give Indian academics a new way to study in American universities and get a temporary professional master's degree with a manufactured specialization. One of the 14 Jefferson Science Fellows for 2022–2023, Akhilesh Lakhtakia, says, "I look forward to building collaborative ties centered on sustainability between American and Indian institutions of higher education. These relationships will exploit India’s National Education Policy to form a regenerative culture from research in STEM arenas. This will include arts and humanities as inalienable parts of a regenerative culture.” The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in Indian school education as well as higher education including technical education. “The programme seeks to create a new pathway for Indian students to pursue a one year professional master’s degree. The courses are currently confined to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Notably, once the course is completed, students will be eligible to stay in the US for up to three years, as per current visa rules. The move is intended to allow them to gain work experience in industry and repay student loans.
For Indian students, this initiative holds great promise, according to Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living. According to Amit Singh, founder of UniScholars, "the current debates surrounding the program, which was allegedly developed by the US State Department, have the potential to completely change how the US and India share knowledge." But what precisely are the goals of the new initiatives? "With a focus on artificial intelligence, this creative idea aims to open up a new path for Indian students by providing them with the chance to pursue specialized professional master's degrees at renowned American universities. If this unique project succeeds, it could make the United States a leading center for international education, opening up more opportunities for both countries and students to grow and advance together,” adds Singh. In the aftermath of the pandemic, a discernible decline in students opting for US higher education was observed. However, this trend experienced a pivotal shift in 2022, characterized by a significant surge in Indian students embarking on educational journeys to American shores. As per the annual report by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the year 2022 saw a notable influx of 64,300 Indian students to the United States. With the imminent rollout of this transformative program, the trajectory of student numbers is poised to sustain its upward trajectory in the impending years, further cementing the educational bonds between the two nations. “This endeavor underscores a resolute commitment to enhancing education and harmonizing it with international benchmarks. The program represents a momentous stride toward modernizing India’s educational landscape, promising an array of potential advantages encompassing learning, career progression, and future avenues for Indian scholars.
