Indian education system reforms have been long overdue since the National Policy on Education, 1986, and a few amendments in 1992. The Government of India introduced major reforms in 2020 to make it progressive, inclusive, globally competitive, and holistic nourishment for preparing students for lifelong learning. Among many significant policies/recommendations, the internationalisation of Indian education is the core aspect of NEP 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020.
The arrival of foreign universities from Gurgaon to GIFT City in Gujarat is a notable milestone in achieving the purpose of education reforms envisioned by the government of India. Institutions like Chanakya University, the best university for MBA in India, play a pivotal role in this monumental transformation and support India’s long-held aspiration of regaining the ‘Vishwa Guru’ title.
Let’s elaborate on the significance of the internationalisation of the Indian education system in the following sections.
Impact of Internationalisation of Indian Education: From Brain Drain to Reverse Brain Circulation
The internationalisation of education is reshaping talent flow in India. UGC’s move to allow top global institutions to set up campuses here marks a shift from “brain drain” to “reverse brain drain.” Indian students can now access world-class education, global faculty, and diverse curricula without going abroad—especially valuable when seeking the best university for MBA or MCA in India or other courses. This also attracts international talent, enriching India’s academic landscape while conserving foreign exchange.
Elevating Quality and Fostering Innovation
The benefits of bringing the world to our campuses are profound. For Indian students, it means a global classroom experience at home, fostering cross-cultural competencies and preparing them for an interconnected global workforce. The presence of foreign universities inevitably raises the quality bar, driving healthy competition and encouraging domestic universities to enhance their own pedagogical standards, research output, and infrastructure to stay competitive.
For example, Southampton University UK has core expertise in engineering (aerospace, bioengineering, and environmental science) and management studies. Their academic expertise will enhance collaboration, innovation, and knowledge transfer through their Gurgaon campus, which will commence its session in August 2025.
A-Pillar of Economic Growth and Soft Power
The significance of internationalisation extends far beyond campus walls. It is a powerful instrument of India’s economic strategy and cultural diplomacy.
Economic Aspect
Indian students are estimated to spend around $60 billion annually on higher education overseas. In 2023 alone, this figure reached $60 billion, up sharply from $37 billion in 2019. Canada emerged as the top destination, drawing $11.7 billion of that total spend.
The arrival of foreign universities in India can channel this expenditure back to India. It will improve domestic consumption, the education industry, and ancillary services. Therefore, there is a notable economic advantage related to internationalising the Indian education system.
Building Soft Power
Every international student who graduates from an Indian institution becomes a lifelong ambassador for the country. They return home with a deep understanding of India’s culture, values, and society, fostering goodwill and strengthening diplomatic ties. As per the Ministry of Education, initiatives like “Study in India” aim to build these very bridges, enhancing India’s influence and positive perception on the world stage.
Navigating the Path Forward
The journey is not without its challenges. Ensuring robust quality control to ensure only the best university for MBA, engineering, humanities, etc., developing world-class campus infrastructure and creating a genuinely inclusive and welcoming environment for international students requires sustained effort and investment. While now more inviting, the regulatory framework will need continuous refinement to balance autonomy with accountability.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Academia
The internationalisation of the Indian education system is more than just an academic reform; it is a strategic imperative for the future. Chanakya University, the best university in India, helps create a dynamic, competitive, and globally integrated learning ecosystem that benefits students, elevates our institutional values, and strengthens our nation’s place globally. Explore 5-year integrated law courses after 12th, management, engineering, and other professional programmes at CU and apply now.