Structure of Higher Education in India
In the Indian system, higher education includes the education imparted after the 10+2 stage - ten years of primary and secondary education followed by two years of higher secondary education. The first degree, the Bachelor's degrees, is obtained after three years study in the case of liberal arts, and four years in the case of most professional degrees (four and half in case of medicine and five/six years in case of law}. The Master's program is usually of two years duration. The research degrees (M.Phil and Ph.D) take variable time depending upon the individual student
The postgraduate degree programs involve 2 years of study after first degree. These include M.Tech, MD, MS and MDS programs that take 2 years after B.Tech and MBBS/BDS respectively.
The M.Phil. program, is of one and-half year duration. It is a preparatory program for doctoral level studies. PhD program is research study for 2 years and can take several years while D.Sc. and D.Litt. are awarded by some universities after PhD for original contributions.
In addition to the degree programs, a number of diploma and certificate programs are also available in universities. Their range is wide and they cover anything from poetics to computers. Some of them are undergraduate diploma programs and others postgraduate programs. The duration varies from one year to three years.
Universities, deemed universities and institutions of national importance are largely autonomous institutions entitled by law to design, develop and offer programs which they consider relevant and appropriate for the national needs. Colleges and other institutes in turn, are expected to be regulated by the Universities with which they are affiliated or associated. Given the wide reach and variety of institutions and programs of higher education, a number of professional, regulatory bodies and councils have been established to ensure proper development of higher education in the country in a coordinated manner.
Tables below give nomenclature of different programs offered in the Indian Higher Education system, duration of the Programs and eligibility requirements. Most of the Higher Education Institutions in India are expected to follow this pattern, however there could be a few variations. Students are therefore advised to refer to the brochure of the institution concerned or visit Institute's Website for specific details. Subjects have been organized under twenty one (21) disciplines below. Programs not fitting in any of the diciplines would fall under specialized programs under serial no. 22.
