The Indian higher education system is the third largest in the world. With a vision of equality, employability, inclusion, and a knowledge society, India has a huge investment to make. In the process, it has opened up to private enterprise and is now experiencing three types of privatization. Let’s look at each. First, privatization in higher education refers to the process of privatizing a university. Privatization in higher education involves transferring costs from the government to the community.
Public universities are now under pressure to improve enrollment and increase revenue. The two goals are not mutually exclusive. Many are trying to achieve both at the same time. For example, many are embracing enrollment management, strategically using financial aid, and luring wealthy out-of-state students by offering generous discounts and scholarships. The result is a mixed bag. Despite its shortcomings, privatization is not necessarily a bad thing.
