The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) will adopt a flexible, learner-centric higher education model, allowing students multiple entry and exit pathways while maintaining rigorous academic standards and the institutes’ strong research focus. These reforms were discussed at the third meeting of the IISER Standing Committee, chaired by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as part of a broader effort to modernise India’s science education ecosystem.
Multiple Pathways and Experiential Learning
Under the proposed framework, IISERs will enable multiple entry, multiple exit, re-entry, and completion options, giving students greater academic flexibility. Importantly, the model also allows learners to opt for a one-semester experiential internship in place of a conventional classroom semester.
Students may pursue internships in research, innovation, industry, or entrepreneurship, with academic credits awarded upon successful completion and evaluation. This approach aims to blend theoretical learning with real-world exposure, while preserving the academic depth that defines IISER programmes.
PhD Programmes to Align with Industry and National Missions
At the doctoral level, IISERs will undertake a comprehensive review of their PhD programmes. The exercise will identify existing gaps, benchmark global best practices, and recommend reforms to better align doctoral training with industry requirements and national priority missions. Through these changes, IISERs seek to enhance the relevance and employability of PhD graduates without compromising research excellence.
Strengthening Research and Innovation Infrastructure
To expand their societal and economic impact, IISERs will strengthen their research and innovation ecosystem across campuses. Plans include setting up research parks, incubators, and domain-specific Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in high-impact areas. These CoEs will span critical and emerging fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, healthcare, advanced materials, energy and climate change, agri-food technologies, and rare-earth and critical minerals.
Aligned with Viksit Bharat and Make in India
According to the education ministry, these initiatives align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and Make in India, which aims to build a knowledge-driven economy by leveraging innovation, human capital, sustainability, and indigenous technology development.
Expanding Innovation Ecosystems Across Institutions
Beyond IISERs, the council also stressed the need to rapidly strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship across technical institutions. It directed 13 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) that currently lack incubation centres to establish them immediately. In addition, at least 10 NITs have been asked to set up research parks without delay. As reported by hindustantimes.com, together, these measures are expected to create a more flexible, industry-aligned, and innovation-led higher education system, supporting India’s long-term scientific and economic ambitions.
