Representational Image NEW DELHI: The Centre is preparing a five-year plan for higher education with five main goals: raise enrolment (GER), improve employment and apprenticeships, build international links, upgrade quality and strengthen digital systems. The plan relies on “big-ticket” projects, state-wise targets and performance-linked funding. The quality measures include clearer accreditation bands, so that students can compare programmes easily and programmes that remain weak face closure; a national apprenticeship and placement exchange that will be integrated with campuses; and Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) targets being set for each state. Financing will separate capital spending (buildings, labs, servers) from operational spending (faculty, maintenance, software), with officials indicating a tilt towards results-based grants, wherein funds are released after verification of milestones. As per the internal report accessed by TOI, stronger institutions will support nearby campuses through mentor-mentee clusters, sharing teachers, labs and lesson plans to help lift outcomes quickly. Funding will be tied to performance on learning and placements and not just inputs such as infrastructure. “Clear goals, clear owners, clear data – that’s the approach,” a senior official with education ministrysaid. To connect education with employment, the National Apprenticeship and Placement Exchange will be integrated with campus ERPs, so employers can post openings and students can apply, track interviews and receive offers on one platform. “Degrees must connect to jobs. A single exchange stitched into campus ERPs will cut friction for students and recruiters,” the official added. For international students, a single window will handle visa, FRRO registration and housing to reduce paperwork and make Indian campuses easier to join.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘You can call me Raja’: Indian-origin Congressman shocks racist Florida leader with responseMary Millben Lauds PM Modi’s Leadership, Says Rahul Gandhi ‘Not the Right Person to Lead India’Mary Millben Lauds PM Modi’s Resilience Amid Trump Tariff Challenge, Applauds His DiplomacyIGIA Terminal 2 Inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister, Domestic Flights Resume From SundayIn Khagariya, Amit Shah Frames Bihar Poll As Choice Between NDA’s Five Pandavas And RJD’s Jungle RajTwo Australian Women Cricketers Stalked and Molested in Indore; Police Arrest Accused Amid OutrageBattle for Bihar: Anger, Jobs & Caste – Will Tejashwi Yadav Survive Raghopur’s Tough Questions?9/11 attacks: Ex-CIA officer claims Osama bin Laden escaped to Pakistan disguised as woman‘Bihar Got Not Even 1% of Gujarat’s Share’: Tejashwi Yadav Explodes at PM ModiBangladesh Political Crisis: Sheikh Hasina’s Son Sajeeb Wazed Urges Yunus For Inclusive Election123 Photostories Vitamin D deficiency: 5 ways low levels can impact body and healthThe Great US Return: Office Mandates vs. Remote Work Resistance10 beautiful sarees of Pooja Hegde which are perfect for Chhath Puja 2025Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Nidhi Bhanushali aka former Sonu looks all grown up in desi wearFrom opening about his son Aaryamann’s depression to joking about wanting royalties from Kapil Sharma: Parmeet Sethi gets candid about his life with Archana Puran Singh5 foods that may help slow down or prevent premature graying of hair7 indoor-friendly cactus varieties to grow in your balcony gardenBill Gates’ 5 tips for happiness, which can be achieved with daily practice — And it is not moneyBollywood’s first Rs.100 crore movie didn’t star a Khan, Kapoor, or Bachchan, guess the film!Tula Japnar Ahe: Unmissable looks of reel couple Pratiksha Shiwankar and Neeraj Goswami123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAndre AgassiLewis HamiltonKendrick PerkinsNBA Gambling ScandalBrad MarchandStephen Curry WifeJustin HerbertLeBron JamesAaron GordonEmman Atienza
NEW DELHI: The Centre is preparing a five-year plan for higher education with five main goals: raise enrolment (GER), improve employment and apprenticeships, build international links, upgrade quality and strengthen digital systems. The plan relies on “big-ticket” projects, state-wise targets and performance-linked funding. The quality measures include clearer accreditation bands, so that students can compare programmes easily and programmes that remain weak face closure; a national apprenticeship and placement exchange that will be integrated with campuses; and Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) targets being set for each state. Financing will separate capital spending (buildings, labs, servers) from operational spending (faculty, maintenance, software), with officials indicating a tilt towards results-based grants, wherein funds are released after verification of milestones. As per the internal report accessed by TOI, stronger institutions will support nearby campuses through mentor-mentee clusters, sharing teachers, labs and lesson plans to help lift outcomes quickly. Funding will be tied to performance on learning and placements and not just inputs such as infrastructure. “Clear goals, clear owners, clear data – that’s the approach,” a senior official with education ministrysaid. To connect education with employment, the National Apprenticeship and Placement Exchange will be integrated with campus ERPs, so employers can post openings and students can apply, track interviews and receive offers on one platform. “Degrees must connect to jobs. A single exchange stitched into campus ERPs will cut friction for students and recruiters,” the official added. For international students, a single window will handle visa, FRRO registration and housing to reduce paperwork and make Indian campuses easier to join.