Understanding the Institutions of Eminence scheme of India: a critical analysis of its role in building world-class universities

Thesis

This study attempts to understand the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme, India’s only Academic Excellence Initiative, and analyse its role in building world-class universities (WCUs) in India. The study explores the meaning of IoE and its impact through the perspectives of senior leaders at these institutions. Furthermore, the study assesses whether the benefits provided by the scheme are adequate to establish WCUs in India.

The study employed qualitative methods and conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 participants to understand the complex landscape of transformative potential and persistent challenges. The findings indicate a clear distinction between private and public IoEs in terms of autonomy and funding. While the scheme has catalysed significant changes, including enhanced prestige, increased financial resources, and greater academic freedom, institutions continue to face challenges in governance and internationalisation.

The study highlights a misalignment between promised institutional autonomy and ongoing regulatory constraints. It also emphasises institutional culture, visionary leadership, and human capital as the crucial drivers in the quest for world-class status. There are significant implementation gaps, deriving from hurdles including the absence of sustained support mechanisms, lack of coordination among higher education agencies, and persistence of an audit culture.

While the IoE scheme has initiated important changes in India’s higher education landscape, achieving world-class status requires a more holistic approach. The study recommends addressing implementation gaps, providing differentiated support to institutions, fostering internationalisation, and developing contextually relevant measures of excellence.

Authors: Dudeja, L

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-azz61g8yg
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: academic excellence initiative; policy analysis; HE2024; Institutions of Eminence India; world-class universities; HE
• Subjects: Education; Education and state; Education (Higher)