The Indian education system has created much flurry and furor among educationists. Much has been talked about and many experts have engaged in discussions about improving higher education. However, in spite of the apparent rigorous efforts by the Government to improvise the standards of colleges and hone the skills of students, the scenario is still not bright. Taking the case of Andhra Pradesh, where every year a large number of students, over 3,50,000, appear for the state entrance exams such as state entrances, Karnataka CET, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Planning and Architecture Common Entrance Test, Engineering Entrance, MBBS Pre Medical Test or PMTs the qualifying rate statistics can be labeled as bleak. Of the pupils who sit for the these entrance examinations  only 18,000 clear the entrance. Additionally it must be mentioned that this successful clearing of the test is by a meager 25 percentage of marks. Out of the successful candidates, a much smaller number of candidates make it through the next intermediate level.

The Possible Reasons

There is no dearth of colleges in Andhra Pradesh,  they are springing up in every place that supports such an establishment,  admitting students who have passed competitive exams such as the PMT, Medical Entrance, Karnataka CET and others. However, despite rigidities in the admission processes, very few of those admitted, show actual diligence and proficiency in engineering or medical subjects. In addition, the AICTE approved colleges that have sprouted in a number of places in Andhra Pradesh are proffering pupils the opportunity to obtain their Engineering degree in lieu of a meager amount of Rs 600. 85 percent of the total fees are covered through Government endeavors. Most notably, the key to obtain such excellent opportunities is to possess an SC/ST certificate.

The fundamental concepts of the different subjects that one needs to learn to clear competitive exams like the PMT or Engineering Entrance are relegated to the background through methods of spoon-feeding and rote learning. Pupils do not have to put any efforts in gauging concepts, doing away absolutely with creativity and innovation, which have always been primary in grasping a science subject and applying them in practical life previously. The college management authorities pocket the money acquired through the payment of fees by thousands of students jostling to accomplish the degree. Professors turn pupils into mere puppets by dictating answers and even preparing students for the types of questions that they might have to solve in the exam. Even if a philanthropist or a principal benefactor of an institution suggests about English to be the language of teaching, the efforts are dashed to the ground by agitations. The consequence is the churning out of innumerable engineering certificates, but very few students who genuinely possess the true qualities of an engineer.

The decadence and degeneration of higher education in India is largely a result of the wrong ways of imparting education by making it completely examination oriented. Many private colleges in Andhra Pradesh propound learning for the exam,  not enlightening students with knowledge. Therefore, the fact remains that mere passing of the Medical Entrance or the Engineering Entrance examinations will not suffice. What is required is proper storming and working of the brain in order to have a grip over the subjects and apply the same to practical life. In reality, studying Engineering or Medical holds very little meaning, if there is no application to real life.