India Education Deep Dive with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Join us for a webinar deep dive into education opportunities in India led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The DBT Education team in India will provide us with an overview and insights into the key education sector opportunities available for British businesses, advice on cultural understanding, and tips for navigating the Indian market.

India is the most populous country in the world and its estimated working-age population (aged 15-59) is projected to reach 64.4 % in the coming years, according to the State Bank of India (SBI). India also has one of the largest education systems in the world with about 1.5 million schools, 9.5 million teachers, and nearly 265 million students. Nearly one out of every four individuals is between the ages of 15 and 29, fueling the demand for a highly skilled and capable workforce across a wide range of industries and sectors. However, the federal system and ways of working can often prove challenging to navigate for UK companies looking to work in India.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 proposed reforms in schools and higher education institutions across India, with the goal of an education system that is ‘second to none’ by 2040. Its focus is on improving basic learning, changing school structures, bringing in four-year interdisciplinary undergraduate programs, and internationalising education in India, but certain states have opposed and refused to implement it. This will be a key issue on the government’s agenda for the next five years, as Modi goes into his third consecutive term as Prime Minister.

India is a key trade partner for the UK and the new government is keen to complete the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, with the next round of talks expected to be held in October. India’s market offers numerous opportunities for UK education companies specialising across K12, Higher Education and Skills Development. In K12, there is a demand for international schools with campuses in India for the growing middle and upper classes. In Higher Education, the mobility of students internationally is a top priority, as recent visa requirements implemented by the UK government have caused a substantial drop in the number of Indian students coming to the UK. In Skills, ensuring that university graduates are employable is key, moreover there is a need to further upskill the population to enable them to enter the formal workforce.

Agenda:

9.30 - 9.40 Introduction from BEI chair

9.40 - 10.00 Presentations from speakers

10.00 - 10.30 Q&A