Political interference has undermined institutions beyond repair, says Deepak Nayyar

Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said on Wednesday that India’s higher education system is in crisis because of political interference, underfunding and lack of autonomy.

Speaking at the BG Deshmukh Memorial Lecture 2025 in New Delhi, Nayyar also criticised the University Grants Commission (UGC), saying it has stripped institutions of independence and imposed “one-size-fits-all” regulations that stifle excellence and diversity.

“The fortunate few who do well in the Class 12 examinations take up limited seats in public universities. Most others make do with expensive, low-quality private institutions. And a growing number now simply go abroad,” he said, noting that nearly $27 billion was spent by Indian students overseas in 2023 alone, roughly equal to India’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism.