The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.

• Central Node: They have delivered
  • Arrow 1: Pay packages from them have increased by 50% in 6 years.
  • Arrow 2: Research Output has increased placing India at rank 3 in no. of publications
  • Arrow 3: Helped attract better talent due to branding.
  • Arrow 4: Helped to improve internal governance and pedagogy -> lesser dropouts

However, they have remained largely inadequate as game changer

1. Lack of adequate funding -> only 57% of the demanded funds provided.
2. Lack of quality of research - very low h-index (<20) of professors.
3. Bad infrastructure -> lack of modern labs like for 6G in communication.
4. Outdated curriculum - still teaching engineering drawing at these colleges
5. Questions on criteria of identification as IIT Kanpur left out
6. Lack of cross sectoral representation as no reservation in many
7. Autonomy misused -> no definite standards of the graduates -> not employable.

All this calls for quick steps to address the various disparities

1. Industry Academia linkage - follow USA model.
2. Korean Model whereby these Corporates can have CSR funding used for stipend based skilled students.
3. Earn while you learn scheme of for bridging the accessibility & affordability [By Tourism sector]
4. Certain minimum level of regulation -> ensure minimal fees.
5. HEFA based funding to balance the remaining fees.
6. Provision of collaborated infrastructure -> uphold best usage of all resources. [Eg collaborated use of 5G labs].