Why is the quality of IITs plummeting
While IITs mark the zenith of educational distinction in the country, there have often been noises criticising the quality of education they offer.
The critique is hard to ignore if it’s coming from someone like the living legend, CEO emeritus of Infosys, Narayan Murthy, who recently disapproved of these premier institutes and other IIT heads recently echoed his views.
But if the quality of IITs is actually deteriorating, where does the blame rest? Does the selection process need to be overhauled or are the coaching centers doing the “disservice”?
“Political control experienced by the IITs in the last couple of decades has diluted these once highly respected institutions in every way. Applying ‘socialistic philosophies’ to governing institutions of higher learning is a bad idea. And considering only performance at the entrance exam for admission to IITs is not a good idea either,” Anil P. Lingras, an IIT alumuni from 1971 batch comments.
Nikhil Jha, 27 an IIT Mumbai passout quit his chic job to follow his passion and found a sports venture, SportsWave with a bunch of alumuni. “Most of us study for IIT because we are made to think that it’s the best option we have for our career. At an immature age 18-19 years, assuming that choice will shape our entire lifetime is a tad unfair. After graduating again, we make the choices: the best option at hand. For some that means higher studies, for some high paying jobs, while for others, anything they can get. Bottom line is you cannot expect a 17-year-old to be absolutely sure about his choices, his career path. That he will go into IIT, ace the exams there, focus on higher studies, get a noble prize, change the world. It does not work out that way.”
Abir Bhowmick, 28, landed himself a enviable job, after passing out from IIT Mumbai, but he chose to give it up to start a training institute for IIT aspirants instead.
“I don’t understand why coaching centres are being called a bane. We have to consider the dynamics behind it. There are major flaws in the education system and students lack the problem solving ability. So, coaching centres are need-based institutions. Also, instead of criticising them for being money-minting organisations why not fix the education system and come up with schemes for the poor but deserving students,” says Abir.
“It’s true that our whole education system is focused on passing the examination, rather than real learning. But most of the students entering IITs are are talking about updating their resumes rather than research and innovation. It’s the approach of the new generation that has to change, and that’s what Murthy hinted at,” says IIT professor, Naresh Kumar (name changed).
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