Why IITs can't match world-class universities
The concept of "autonomy of institutions" defines the Indian Institute of Technology. In relation to technical institutions such as IITs, we might want to look at how this came into being. As part of the Act passed by the Parliament, IITs are entitled to a degree of freedom on the academic front, which includes deciding the classifications of various degree programmes; curricular structure, examination system, method of evaluation. Besides this, a large share of fund management is performed by the institute itself such as creation and maintenance of infrastructure for students, faculty and staff. Therefore, IITs differ from one another in terms of the academic activities carried out by them, except for the admissions procedure which is invariably based on merit performance across national-level examinations such as JEE, GATE, and JAM.
The academic programmes conducted by every IIT are independent in nature, and do not require approval/recognition from any other national body such as UGC and AICTE. In the current IIT system, a body called "Senate" takes a call on academic matters with complete autonomy whereas another body known as "BOG" looks into financial, administrative and academic governance at the institute. Autonomy is advantageous when exercised judiciously to raise academic standards to match the competitive international levels in teaching and research. IITs do not receive orders or instructions from the government authorities on a daily basis on routine academic matters even when IITs are largely dependent for their survival on government funding. To the best of my knowledge, the only academic direction that was ever issued by the government was about ten years ago, for upgrading their M. Tech. programme from a three semester course to a four semester programme in which two semesters would be dedicated to research-based dissertation. Another instance came up nearly three years ago when the JEE admission test was restructured.
The question that arises is why, despite academic autonomy and heavy funding from the ministry of human resource development and other research and development agencies across the country, have we not been able to match research and teaching standards set by world-class universities in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada and Japan? The reputation of IITs is basically because of the admission process for its undergraduate engineering programme (B. Tech. degree programme) through a very competitive JEE. This entrance examination enjoys full autonomy in selecting the best students of the country who will graduate to be successful everywhere around the globe. It might not be an exaggeration but the reality of the fact is that the teaching and laboratory training at IITs have a little role to play in their success. My personal research experience at universities around the world echoes the feedback received from a large number of colleagues at international universities that IITs are indeed far behind in their level of infrastructure -- laboratory facilities, facilitating environment and the will (and the mindset) of the internal administration. The internal autonomy never stops IITs from overcoming any hurdle in achieving international standards in teaching as well as research. In fact, our top technical Institutes are far behind even from a so-called "ordinary University/Institute" in the countries mentioned above.
The government, including the ministry, have always been very generous in approving and granting funds to IITs. Besides a huge annual grant (planned and non-planned) that the IITs receive from the government funds, several projects at IITs are also sponsored by research partners. So, besides academic autonomy, the IITs are also entitled to a fair share of financial autonomy. What is it that is holding us back from being the best in the world? Why do we face inordinate delay in procuring basic logistics? What autonomy is required to procure standard reagents? Are they waiting for an approval from the ministry? For how long will we pass the buck? As a system, we need to be more proactive in assessing the requirements of an institute and meeting deadlines.
Besides research facilities, it is equally important to examine the quality of dining, cooking, and cleaning facilities made available to students on campus. What autonomy is required to improve this basic infrastructure? At a time when the whole nation is gaining heightened consciousness about building and maintaining clean toilets for girls in public areas, why can't a technical institute provide this basic facility for its female students? What sort of autonomy is required to bring about this change?
Analogous to democracy, autonomy at an institute of any kind requires accountability towards its students and employees. With accountability also comes huge responsibility towards the education system and nation at large. Autonomy is granted to run and improve the system and is thus necessary. This academic autonomy in free India is in line with Gandhi's vision where he "wanted to free the Indian teacher from outside interference, particularly government or state bureaucracy. Under colonial rule, the teacher had a prescribed job to do, based on what the authorities wanted the children to learn."