Why Education in India Should Be a State Subject: A Case for Decentralization

A Case for Decentralization:

India’s education system stands at a critical juncture. With over 250 million students and a diverse cultural landscape, the one-size-fits-all approach to education, controlled centrally, is failing to meet the needs of its vast population. The current system, heavily influenced by centralized bodies, has led to an overburdened curriculum, excessive testing, and a focus on rote learning over practical problem-solving. To unlock India’s true potential, education must be decentralized and made a state subject. This shift would empower states to tailor education to local needs, reduce the influence of centralized "mafias" that prioritize control over quality, and foster institutions that are funded and evaluated based on the real-world problems they solve, not the connections they leverage.

The Burden of Centralization

The Indian education system, largely governed by central authorities like the Ministry of Education and bodies such as the CBSE and UGC, imposes uniform policies across a nation with diverse languages, cultures, and economic realities. This centralized control creates a rigid framework that ignores regional nuances. For instance, a student in rural Odisha faces different challenges—such as limited access to technology or teachers—compared to a student in urban Maharashtra. Yet, both are judged by the same standardized exams and curricula, which often prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical skills.

This centralization has also given rise to powerful lobbies—coaching mafias, textbook publishers, and exam boards—that profit from an overburdened system. Students face relentless pressure from competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and board exams, which dominate their lives from an early age. According to a 2023 study by the National Sample Survey, over 60% of Indian students reported stress and anxiety due to academic pressure. The coaching industry, valued at over ₹60,000 crore, thrives on this fear, pushing students into a cycle of rote memorization rather than fostering creativity or critical thinking. Decentralizing education could break this stranglehold by allowing states to design assessments that prioritize learning over testing.

The Case for Decentralization

Making education a state subject, as it was before the 42nd Amendment in 1976 moved it to the Concurrent List, would give states the autonomy to innovate. Each state could craft curricula that reflect its cultural heritage, economic needs, and local challenges. For example, Kerala, with its high literacy rate, could focus on advanced digital skills, while Bihar could prioritize foundational education and vocational training to address local employment gaps. This flexibility would make education more relevant and inclusive.

Decentralization would also reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Currently, central bodies like the UGC and NCERT dictate funding, curriculum, and institutional standards, often favoring well-connected institutions over those doing meaningful work. By shifting control to states, funding could be tied to outcomes—such as the number of graduates employed locally or the impact of research on regional issues—rather than political influence. For instance, a college in Tamil Nadu solving water scarcity through innovative technology should receive more support than one relying on outdated syllabi but strong lobbying.

Measuring Success by Problem-Solving

A decentralized system would allow states to redefine how institutions are evaluated. Instead of rankings based on exam results or infrastructure, success could be measured by the problems institutions solve. For example, a university in Gujarat developing sustainable textile technologies could be rewarded for addressing environmental challenges in the state’s industrial hub. Similarly, a college in Assam training students in flood-resistant agriculture could be prioritized for funding. This shift would encourage institutions to focus on real-world impact, aligning education with India’s development goals.

This approach also counters the outdated notion that education’s primary purpose is to prepare students for standardized tests or secure visas like the H-1B for jobs abroad. The H-1B visa program, often manipulated by a few powerful players, has long skewed India’s education system toward producing graduates for foreign markets rather than solving domestic challenges. A decentralized system would prioritize skills for India’s future—such as renewable energy, healthcare, and AI—over churning out candidates for foreign employers.

Addressing Concerns

Critics of decentralization argue it could lead to uneven standards across states, with wealthier states outpacing poorer ones. However, this can be addressed through a national framework that sets baseline quality standards while granting states flexibility in implementation. The central government could still play a role in ensuring equity by redistributing funds to under-resourced states, as seen in models like Australia’s education system, where states have significant autonomy but federal funding ensures balance.

Another concern is the potential for regional biases in curricula. States must be encouraged to maintain inclusivity and avoid parochialism, ensuring students are exposed to national and global perspectives. Regular audits and inter-state collaborations can address this, fostering healthy competition and knowledge-sharing.

A Path Forward

Decentralizing education is not a radical idea—it’s a return to a system that respects India’s diversity. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already shown success with localized education initiatives, such as Kerala’s focus on digital literacy and Tamil Nadu’s vocational training programs. Scaling this approach nationwide could transform India’s education landscape.

To achieve this, the government must amend the Constitution to move education back to the State List, empower states with clear guidelines for curriculum design, and establish a transparent funding mechanism based on outcomes. Civil society, educators, and students must also advocate for this change, ensuring the system prioritizes learning over lobbying.

India’s education system is at a breaking point, weighed down by centralized control, excessive testing, and a disconnect from local needs. By making education a state subject, India can unleash the potential of its diverse population, fostering innovation and problem-solving over rote learning and visa-chasing. It’s time to dismantle the centralized mafias and build an education system that measures success by the problems it solves, not the connections it maintains. Decentralization isn’t just a policy change—it’s a step toward a more equitable, relevant, and forward-thinking India.