Abhinav G, 20, of Kochi who had completed his plus two (12th grade), wanted to pursue a career in UX designing. As his plus two scores were low and clearing the entrance exam of prominent institutions seemed out of his reach, he started looking for a course that could meet his requirements.
Soon he zeroed in on a course offered by a private university, falling for their fancy marketing and tall claims. He paid hefty fees and joined the course only to realize that the topics taught didn’t make him industry ready. Of course, he received a fancy certificate, but to master UX designing, he had to rely on YouTube for learning different modules.
In the last few years, a lot of private universities and institutions have sprouted in India and also in Kerala, offering a plethora of fancy courses and charging hefty fees. While they promise state-of-the-art facilities, innovative curriculums, and a pathway to lucrative careers, the question remains: are they worth the investment?
These institutes win the trust of the parents and the students alike by marketing themselves as the gateway to success, emphasising their modern campuses, international collaborations, and industry-relevant programs. They offer courses in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics and biotechnology to stay ahead of the curve.
Educationalist B S Warrier says it’s a fact that a lot of private universities and institutions are coming up offering different new courses, but how many of them offer quality education is something that needs to be seriously looked into. “We cannot make a general statement because there are a few private universities and institutions that provide the highest quality education. A parent or a student should analyse the quality of the private university before taking admission rather than simply believing what they say. The best way is to find where the former students from the university are now placed and what they do,” he said.
Elizabeth Kurian, an education counsellor, said a critical aspect to consider is the quality of education. “Mushrooming of private institutions and deemed-to-be universities has led to concerns about the quality and consistency of education provided. Students must research thoroughly before enrolling to ensure they receive a quality education that justifies the cost,” she said, adding that the promise of high-paying jobs through campus placement is also a major selling point for these institutions while in reality, it may not always align with expectations.
It’s crucial for students and parents to conduct thorough research and consider all options before taking admission in a private university or an institution. Careful evaluation of the cost, quality, and potential return on investment is essential.
