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With a population of 1.21 billion, India accounts for approximately one-sixth of the world’s population and according to the 2011 Census results this shows a 17.64% increase in the population over the last ten years. It is expected to overtake China by 2030 and will then become the most populated country in the world.
The economy of India, when measured in USD exchange-rate terms, is the tenth largest in the world, with a GDP of USD 1.53 trillion (2010). It is the fourth largest in terms of purchasing power parity. It is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 8.5 per cent for the fiscal year 2010-11. Growth is expected to average 8.7% a year over the period from 2012/2013 to 2015/2016. India's large service industry accounts for 57.2% of the country's GDP while the industrial and agricultural sectors contribute 28.6% and 14.6% respectively. Agriculture is the predominant occupation in India, accounting for about 52% of employment.
Major industries include telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, information technology-enabled services and pharmaceuticals the labour force totals 500 million workers. Major agricultural products include rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry and fish. In 2009-2010, India's top five trading partners are United Arab Emirates, China, United States, Saudi Arabia and Germany.
While 181 million have been added to the population since the last census, this growth rate is slowing down, and in turn a decline in national poverty rates has also occurred – 45.3% in 93/94 to 37.2% in 04/05. This still means, however, that nearly 450 million people in India live in poverty. This has a severe social and economic impact and a major bearing on educational investment. India nevertheless has the second-largest education system in the world, with more than 115 million children attending primary school and more than 26 million students enrolled in tertiary education.
Education in India falls under the control of both the Union Government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. India's improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to the economic rise of India. Much of the progress, especially in higher education and scientific research has been credited to various public institutions. The private education market in India is merely 5% although in terms of value is estimated to be worth $40 billion in 2008 and will increase to $68 billion by 2012. As of 2011, there are 1,522 degree-granting engineering colleges in India with an annual student intake of 582,000, plus 1,244 polytechnics with an annual intake of 265,000. However, these institutions face shortage of faculty and concerns have been raised over the quality of education.
India's higher education system is the third largest in the world, after China and the United States. The main governing body at the tertiary level is the University Grants Commission (India), which enforces its standards, advises the government, and helps coordinate between the centre and the state. Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by 12 autonomous institutions established by the University Grants Commission.
The Indian education system is based upon 12 years of schooling. Teaching of English is compulsory in all states/union territories, generally in Classes VI to X.
Students are attracted to the UK by shorter courses, reputation for quality, the opportunity to work while studying and after graduation, streamlined visa procedures, a safe environment, centralised admissions (UCAS) and family ties.
India sends the second-largest number of people to the UK for further education after China. India and China together make up nearly one third of all non-EU students in the UK HE system (32.7 per cent), and the top five sending markets (China, India, USA, Nigeria and Malaysia) account for more than 50 per cent of non-EU students in HE in the UK.
There has been an increase from 40 educational agents representing UK education in 1999 to more than 600 in 2011 with over 70 per cent of students going to the UK using their services. More than 25 UK universities have opened regional offices in India.
US welcome the highest number of international students from India after China. The USA remains the dominant destination for Indian students, reflecting the fact that post-education opportunities in the country are perceived to be significantly higher than in other countries by Indian students. Indian students constitute the largest segment of international students in the USA, accounting for over 15% of its total international student population in 2009. The number of Indian students in the USA in 2010 grew to 104,897 from 103,260 in 2009 – an increase of 1.6%. Meanwhile, Australia continues to market aggressively in India, emphasising the relatively low cost of its degrees, and the number of Indian students in the country grew 56% over the review period. However, applications from India appear to be slowing, in part because of the very high publicity received by a number of violent racist attacks on Indian students in Australia. Although the UK is far from perfect in this respect, it is perceived as a ‘safer’ destination country than many others. Canada represents an easy option with immigration advantages, while New Zealand attraction is also linked to immigration. France and Germany having entered the market in 1997 have marketed themselves as affordable destinations with subsidised tuition fees.
The number of Indian students choosing the UK remains comparatively high, thanks in part to the strong cultural links between the two countries, a very well established Anglo-Indian community, widespread family ties in the UK, and the efforts of the UK’s universities to promote themselves in India. Indian student numbers in the UK grew by 224% from 2002/03 – 2009/10 and the long-term prognosis is good. The UK remains an attractive destination for many Indian students.
India is predominantly a higher education market, approximately 70 per cent postgraduate, 30 per cent undergraduate. While the further education market is still relatively small, there is potential for growth, as there is a greater need for skills in a more service sector-led economy. As India has virtually no comprehensive vocational system of its own, possibilities also exist for consultancy from the UK further education. There is a limited market for foundation courses (except Art & Design), due to the large number of UK universities that accept Indian school-leaving qualifications for undergraduate entry. British Council India believes that there is potential in developing partnerships and working with the private sector rather than student recruitment to the UK alone for long term sustainable growth. There is a very limited market in India for independent schools.
Education UK India has organised exploratory missions promoting UK education in second and third tier cities apart from consolidating the markets in the metros. These mini exhibitions (Emerging markets campaign) were received positively in by students and also UK delegates that participated in these exhibitions remarking the fact that there were equal numbers of quality enquiries from the cities.
India is divided into four regions, each served by a British Council office: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. British Libraries operate in Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Every office and British Library has public access and an Education UK resource centre. British Council India's strategy is to develop and expand both off and online services to reach more of our target audiences in more cities in India.
Throughout the year Education UK is involved in addressing the student community via various outreach programmes conducted across cities in India. Education UK also creates platforms between the UK institutes and the local counter parts to understand and explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. With digital going strong Education UK ensures that their presence is maintained across the major web portals, student communities and virtual exhibitions.
An essential part of our strategy revolves around changing perceptions of the UK, especially though our website and publications. The overall impact of our work in this field is to make the UK a more attractive destination in terms of both study and lifestyle.
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