Lucknow: Meenakshi has been involved in scientific writing for sometime now. She has been there and done that, but she still feels her greater calling card will be when she heads to the West. This is about professionals. The feeling remains the same even for students who are at the cusp of a career that is about to blossom.
Many like Aayush, Rohit and Suyash who are in their final year are also eager that they give their career wings. But they would rather head out of Lucknow than do Higher Education in Nawabi city.
The state capital may have turned into an education hub, but quality education and good research are still a distant dream in the institutions here. Private educational institutions are providing good education up to primary and secondary level, but they are proving to be unsuccessful in providing quality higher education.
The condition of private engineering institutes remains a matter of concern. While the fee is a hefty amount, the exposure, the students say, can be better. There is a lack of basic resources and teachers in government educational institutions. Due to lack of good placements, students are forced to go to Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.
Government-aided inter colleges are in need of advanced infra as time progresses. Every year, students from the capital rule the merit list. There are long queues for admission in good institutions from CMS, Jaipuria chain of schools, Loreto Convent, La-Martiniere Boys and Girls College, St. Francis School, Cathedral etc. Students studying in smart classes here also perform well in arts and sports.
While there is a rush for admission in Lucknow University, other universities lag behind. There is a huge rush for admission in undergraduate and postgraduate courses here, but other newly opened universities are not able to make that much of an identity yet.
On the other hand, professional courses may be taught in Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Arabic-Persian University and good honours courses may be run, but it is still not able to attract students. Similarly, in Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University, apart from providing better education to the disabled, there is also a provision for normal students to study.
In the capital, many professional courses including B.Tech, BBA, MBA, MCA, MSc Nano Technology, MSc Renewable Energy are running in engineering and management colleges affiliated to LU, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, but due to lack of good placements, students are not much interested in them. Students yearn for good placements.
Emphasis should be laid on research along with studies in all universities including Lucknow University. Placement of students should be ensured by running employment oriented courses as per the demand. Poor children should be given admission under RTE say experts.
Students in Lucknow often move out for higher education due to several factors:
Quality of Education: Many students seek institutions with better educational facilities, faculty, and research opportunities, which they may find in other cities or countries.
Specialized Courses: Some students look for specific courses or specializations that might not be available in Lucknow.
Career Opportunities: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune offer better internship and job opportunities, which attract students.
Infrastructure: The infrastructure in some universities in other cities might be more advanced, including laboratories, libraries, and campus facilities.
Exposure: Moving to different cities or countries provides students with broader exposure, cultural diversity, and networking opportunities.
Higher Rankings: Institutions with higher national or international rankings can be a significant draw for students aiming for prestigious qualifications.
These factors collectively contribute to the trend of students moving out of Lucknow for their higher education.
As per India Today – a report about the estimated direct expenditure for 2022 was projected at around $47 billion, including tuition fees, accommodation, and other living costs. After research and analysis during the report based on the current growth rate, this amount is expected to rise further and reach $70 billion by 2025. This report by Gradding highlights the considerable expenses that Indian students spend on pursuing their academic dreams. Also, it focuses on the importance of financial support through scholarships.
As per the statistics, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are the most chosen destinations for Indian students lately. As of 2023, there were approximately 850,000 Indian students enrolled across these four countries.
Many Indian students prefer studying in English-speaking countries, specifically the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland. Statistically, the number of Indian students graduating from school increases yearly, and the existing colleges and universities are insufficient to accommodate them.
