The 12 months 2024 has been a rollercoaster for the Indian education system. On one hand, Indian universities continued to make their mark globally. Institutions just like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), numerous Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and different premier institutes climbed increased in worldwide rankings. The QS World Rankings 2025 acknowledged a number of Indian universities among the many prime 200 globally, a major leap ahead from earlier years.
We see comparable strides in THE World Rankings, FT Business faculties and others. While these achievements replicate India’s growing emphasis on high quality education, the 12 months 2024 nevertheless, was not with out its setbacks. Instances of paper leaks in vital exams resembling NEET UG, NTA UGC NET, and a number of other recruitment exams marred the credibility of the system.
Against this backdrop of highs and lows, the government introduced a collection of transformative initiatives in 2024 to handle systemic challenges and improve the general education ecosystem.
Acknowledging the complicated panorama of Indian education, the government launched a number of new schemes geared toward empowering students throughout totally different academic phases.
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme
The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme was a landmark initiative introduced in 2024 to ease monetary burdens for meritorious students. Targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate students admitted to the highest 860 establishments throughout India, the scheme affords education loans with minimal rates of interest.
With a considerable finances of ₹3,600 crore allotted for the following seven years, this initiative is ready to profit over 22 lakh students yearly. By making certain that monetary constraints don’t hinder entry to high quality education, the scheme goals to nurture India’s brightest minds.
One Nation One Subscription Scheme and the promise of ‘data for all’
The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme emerged as a sport-changer for increased education and analysis. With a powerful finances allocation of ₹6,000 crore over three years, this initiative gives nationwide entry to tutorial journals, e-books, and analysis databases.
By eliminating boundaries to data, ONOS seeks to enhance India’s analysis output and enhance the standard of upper education. Students, notably from universities and analysis establishments, stand to achieve immensely from this digital revolution.
PM SHRI Schools for mannequin establishments for holistic studying
Building on the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the PM SHRI Schools initiative goals to develop over 14,500 faculties throughout the nation. These faculties, managed by central and state governments, will function examples of holistic and inclusive education.
From chopping-edge infrastructure to revolutionary pedagogies, PM SHRI Schools promise to redefine the training expertise for college students, fostering creativity, crucial considering, and character improvement.
Interest subvention on education loans: Making increased education reasonably priced
To additional democratise entry to increased education, the government introduced an curiosity subvention scheme in the 2024-25 finances. Under this program, students can avail education loans as much as ₹10 lakh for home establishments with a 3% curiosity subsidy offered by way of e-vouchers. This initiative, benefiting one lakh students yearly, goals to cut back the monetary pressure on households and allow extra students to pursue their tutorial aspirations.
PM Internship Scheme
Complementing the efforts to reinforce academic alternatives, the government has additionally launched the PM Internship Scheme, geared toward offering sensible publicity {and professional} expertise to students and up to date graduates. Under this program, individuals acquire internships throughout numerous government departments, public sector undertakings, and partnered personal establishments.
Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Supporting Technical Education
The Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is one other commendable initiative geared toward undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in technical establishments permitted by AICTE, UGC.
The scheme gives a month-to-month scholarship of ₹2,500 for boys and ₹3,000 for ladies. Depending on the course, monetary help is obtainable for a period starting from one to 5 years. By assuaging monetary limitations, PMSS goals at making certain that students can deal with excellence in lecturers and talent-constructing with out financial boundaries.
While 2024 had its share of challenges, the government’s initiatives sign a renewed dedication to addressing systemic points, which, the collective efforts of educators, policymakers, and students will decide how these initiatives translate into tangible outcomes for the nation’s future.