As we celebrate India’s 67^th year of independence, we take a quick look at how the nation’s educational system has changed since the British left.

Pre-1947, the British government in India focused on establishing stellar English educational institutions, with a British curriculum. Students often also learned how to read, write, and speak Urdu as part of this special curriculum. Progressive Indians, such as the social reformer  Raja Ram Mohan Roy also encouraged English education in India. However despite these efforts, the literacy rate was very low.

Post-independence, the Indian Government’s major concern was to eliminate illiteracy, provide high quality education, and introduce vocational and skills training programs. According to the 2011 Census data, India’s literacy rate has increased to 74.04%; with Kerala being the most literate state with a 92% literate population.

Although the ancient institute Nalanda University ceased to exist, Asia’s new reformers are trying to bring it back as a global centre of learning. Today India’s breeding grounds for engineering graduates are the IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) are globally well reputed.

Tags: Indian Independence, 67 years of Independence, IIT