As India’s higher education system shifts towards quality, skills and innovation under the National Education Policy (NEP), Rajasthan is positioning itself at the forefront of the transition. The state’s Higher & Technical Education Department is rolling out structural reforms to raise academic standards, deepen industry linkages and boost graduate employability.
In an interaction with ET Government, Kuldeep Ranka, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, shares insights into Rajasthan’s evolving higher education ecosystem, the implementation of NEP-driven changes, and the long-term vision to build a future-ready, globally competitive talent base. Edited excerpts:
How do you evaluate the current higher education landscape of Rajasthan?
Rajasthan today stands tall as one of India’s leading states in the higher education sector. With over 90 universities, we consistently rank among the top performers in the All India Survey on Higher Education. Our Gross Enrolment Ratio of 28.6 — higher than the national average — speaks volumes about the state’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Yet, even as we celebrate these accomplishments, we acknowledge that our next leap must be in the realm of quality enhancement. Strengthening academic rigour, research, and global competitiveness remains central to our future trajectory.
How do you believe the National Education Policy (NEP) can transform higher education in the state?
The NEP marks a watershed moment in India’s educational journey. It is the first policy to truly harmonise general, vocational, and skill education, offering students unprecedented flexibility to shape their learning paths. NEP is more than a policy—it is a vision. A guiding light that has the potential to reposition both Rajasthan and the nation as a vibrant knowledge economy. Its multidisciplinary, student-centric approach is designed to usher in a new era of academic excellence and innovation.
Employment remains a pressing concern. What initiatives has the department undertaken to address this challenge?
Enhancing employability lies at the heart of our endeavours. We have introduced apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes in 12 government colleges, opening avenues in high-growth sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Human Resource Operations, Retail Marketing, and Tourism and Hospitality Operations. To further strengthen industry exposure, compulsory internships have been introduced in the final semester for all students across Rajasthan. Our collaborations with industry partners have ensured that the students receive cutting-edge training aligned to market demand.
With the rise of unicorns and young innovators worldwide, how is the state fostering its startup ecosystem?
The state government has articulated a clear and progressive vision for fostering innovation, evident through policies like the Startup Policy. In partnership with the Department of Information Technology & Communication, we have established Innovation Startup Launchpads in all 33 districts under the i-START 2.0 initiative.
These centres provide students with the tools, technologies, and expert mentorship needed to transform ideas into prototypes. With the support of mentors, they function as modern-day tinkering labs, cultivating a culture of creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurship.
What, in your view, is the way forward, and how optimistic are you about the future of education in the state?
I am deeply optimistic. Our confidence is rooted in the transformative steps taken over the past two years under the present government’s leadership. Our commitment is unwavering—to deliver quality education that honours our traditional knowledge system while empowering students to excel on the global stage.
We envision an ecosystem where every learner can discover their purpose, nurture their strengths, and craft a future aligned with their aspirations. With a strong focus on skilling and reskilling, we are laying the foundation for a progressive, future-ready Rajasthan.
I believe these efforts will lead the state confidently along a path of development, innovation, and lasting impact.
