India Today magazine has released its highly anticipated 24th edition of the India’s Best Colleges survey, offering a comprehensive overview of the genuine progress made by colleges nationwide.
In light of the global pandemic, students are now contemplating their career paths as colleges are expected to resume activities in September, with the admission process having shifted online. The upcoming academic session is poised to be heavily influenced by digital infrastructure. Colleges are compelled to maximize their capabilities and efficiency, implementing physical distancing measures that have led to the evolution of online learning methodologies. This caters to discerning students who weigh the safety of studying at home against the privilege of enrolling in a prestigious college in a major city. Unfortunately, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, India’s top education hubs, are also the epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The magazine addresses pressing questions on the minds of the public, such as the safety of staying in hostels or paying guest accommodations in these cities and the quality of colleges in smaller Indian cities. Additionally, it explores whether competition will intensify this year, given the anticipated decline in the number of Indian students going abroad due to COVID-19. While 31 cities participated in the survey, the top 25 colleges in arts, science, and commerce are limited to only eight cities, and the top 25 engineering and law colleges are found in six cities. The medical stream performs somewhat better, with the top 25 colleges spread across 11 cities.
This geographical disparity underscores the potential for expanding digital education, allowing top institutes to extend their courses and classes to remote areas. It emphasizes the need for government institutes to lead efforts in narrowing the gap in the quality of education between government and private institutions, particularly in engineering and medical education in terms of cost-effectiveness. To assist readers in making financially sound decisions, the India Today Best Colleges survey directs them to colleges with the lowest course fees and, crucially, offers insights into placement opportunities.
Conducted by Marketing and Development Research Associates (MDRA), a reputable market research agency, the survey covers 14 streams, including arts, science, commerce, medical, dental, engineering, architecture, law, mass communication, hotel management, BBA, BCA, social work, and fashion design.
The special issue of India Today Best Colleges, encompassing all this information and more, will be available on June 26th, 2020.
