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IITs Face Calls for Humane Culture Over Rankings
10 Oct
Summary
- Experts urge IITs to prioritize humane culture over rankings and placements.
- Concerns raised include academic pressure, social exclusion, and mental health support.
- Public education spending has dropped to 3% of GDP, below targets.
Experts convening at the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2026 emphasized the urgent need for India's premier engineering institutions, particularly IITs, to cultivate a more humane and inclusive campus culture. This call for reform comes amid renewed concerns for student well-being, following a recent student death and discussions on alleged discrimination and institutional accountability.
Discussions revealed significant strains on students, attributed to increased admissions, insufficient infrastructure, and the pressures of relative grading. Experts suggested enhancing curriculum flexibility and embedding mental health support within the educational framework. Public expenditure on education has also declined, impacting support systems.
Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms, with a significant percentage of students reporting distrust and feelings of exclusion. Experts stressed that academic excellence must be balanced with empathy, inclusion, accessible mental health services, and a supportive environment where students feel valued and safe.
