With a population of 1.13 billion, India accounts for approximately one-sixth of the world’s population. 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 twelfth largest in the world, with a GDP of USD 1.25 trillion (2008). It is the third largest in terms of purchasing power parity. It is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 9.4 per cent for the fiscal year 2006–2007. Services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output with less than one third of its labour force. About three-fifths of the work force is in agriculture. India has a large, highly skilled, English-speaking workforce that is already providing remote services to many developed countries.
It is developing a strong reputation as an education and training hub. Internet penetration continues to surge, even outside the main cities. Reform of the education and training sector will be a major factor in further boosting India's economy and providing employment opportunities.
Among educated Indians there is deep-rooted affinity with the UK. The driving force for all Indians to study overseas is increased employability in a competitive marketplace. The Indian higher education sector cannot meet demand. Government priority is to improve primary education, so that higher education growth has been in the private sector, which has yet to win the confidence of students and their parents. For those unsuccessful in gaining admission to a prestigious institution, the options are to study at less prestigious institutions, new private institutions, or overseas. For many, study abroad is the most appealing as international qualifications are generally sought after by Indian businesses and also offers the possibility of finding employment overseas.
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.
There has been an increase from 40 educational agents representing UK education in 1999 to 290 in 2007 with over 70 per cent of students going to the UK in 2006/2007 using their services. About 13 UK universities have opened regional offices in India.
In parallel with increased UK market share (from 16 per cent in 1999 to 30 per cent in 2006), there has been a significant decrease for the USA (58 per cent in 1999 to 39 per cent in 2006), mainly due to visa restrictions and widely-reported Indian job losses in the USA IT sector. There is every indication that the USA will be keen to recapture their market share. Stringent visa regulations also affected Australia's market share, but Australia has recovered much of this ground. Canada represents a 'low-cost' option with immigration advantages, while New Zealand is a newcomer whose attraction is linked to immigration. France and Germany entered the market in 1997, and market themselves as affordable destinations with subsidised tuition fees. Other countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, are more visible, and perceived as offering a 'western' education at 'eastern' prices.
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. As India is large and regionalised, opportunities must also be captured on a regional basis (Education UK India can advise further on these).
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.
India has already exceeded the original growth targets under the Prime Minister's Initiative. We aim to reduce the gap between the UK and the market leader, the USA, and to increase the percentage of undergraduate students. Marketing campaigns and outreach will be extended within states that have limited access to information but offer huge potential to education service providers.
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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