DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND US EDUCATION SYSTEM

Indian Education System or American Education System! 

It is difficult to say which system is better. Both education systems have their own benefits and drawbacks. Both the systems have managed to develop the legendary personalities and world leaders. Americans who have never been to India would never be able to understand the Indian education system and vice versa. If we analyse these two education system, we will find some similarities and some differences. It’s completely upon individuals to decide which system they would like to prefer. 

Before counting of difference let us take you through the basic structure of evolved educational system of both countries.

Indian Education System  (10+2+3 pattern)
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A decade ago it was considered that one cannot get the world class education in India. However, the current trend has shown tremendous development in quality of education. Various research done in the past decade has highlighted the loopholes in curriculum. However, governing bodies had acted upon such drawbacks and brought some necessary changes. Syllabuses have been amended, new courses are being added and teaching methodologies have been changed. Updated infrastructure and qualified teachers are proffering premier quality of content. E-learning is gradually becoming trend in the schools. Education is the responsibility of central and state government. CBSE, CISCE, STATE and The National Open School are the main boards of Indian education.  

​The academic divisions in India are broadly divided into following categories: 

• Pre-primary 
• Primary
• Secondary    
• Higher secondary
• Graduation
• Post-Graduation

Upto 8th standard elementary education is provided. Secondary and higher secondary takes 2 years each. Graduation could take 3 to 5 years depending upon the nature of the course, then after the option of post-graduation (2 years) and research will be available. ​

American Education System 
US has the most advanced education system from the rest of the world. State and the local government play key role in designing the curriculum. Hence, we can see little standardization in syllabuses. Individual state takes great control over education. For instance, content of the chapters, what truly is taught. These states are also responsible for the school funding to meet requirement. So, one can see the difference subjects, courses and other activities. 

Though there is huge variation still, there are some common points like division of academic years. US follow three level pattern.  

• Elementary school 
• Middle School
• High school
• Post-secondary (college)

Parents sending children to kindergartens/pre-primary/nursery school have to finance the institute.  Schools in US give more emphasis on practical understanding and extra-curricular activities. ​

Some similarities of Indian and American education

• Well-structured syllabuses and curriculum 
• Both countries spend heavily on education
• Qualified teachers
• Both Countries have private and public schools system
• Free education in Public schools
• Sophisticated laboratories
• Good Infrastructure facility 

​Major Differences of Indian and American Education system

Though, there are some similarities but the way education sector is treated in both countries shows a vast difference. ​

Education In USA

Education In India

• Teacher must hold state certification and license to teach.
• 20 -30 students per teacher in a class.
• Sports and extracurricular activities and considered equally important as core subjects.
• Flexible education system.
• The standard of education is not too high. Here curriculums are flexibly designed so that every student passes the high school.
• Maths is an optional subject in US.
• Teachers are important but do not hold the same value as in Indian Education system.
• Curriculum designed for upper grade may not be based on/related to lower grade.
• More emphasis is given to exploring and understanding the concepts.
• Public schools are well maintained and managed with better infrastructure.
• No formal examination for the students of lower classes. Though students of the higher class have to appear for tests.
• Students need not to carry lots of books.

• Teacher can start teaching to elementary classes after getting master or bachelor degree. However, they can continue their studies to become the experienced and qualified teacher to teach in higher classes.
•  Approx. 50 students in a class per teacher.
• Traditional in Nature. More emphasis on core subjects. Sports and extracurricular activities are optional and do not hold the same importance.
• Education system is rigid.
• The standard of education is high. Here students are prepared to face the upcoming challenges in future.
• Maths is compulsory till 10th standard.
• Teacher receives great respect from students and parents.
• Curriculum of upper grade is built on the learnings of lower grade. For instance, the explained concepts in 9th grade would have been introduced in 8th grade. 
• Emphasis on academic performance. Mostly, about reading and memorizing the study materials.
• Most of the public schools (run by government) are poorly managed (they lack infrastructure and other facilities). Hence, parents prefer for private schools.
• Whether lower or higher, students of all the grades have to sit for the examination. 
• Everyday even the lower grade children have to carry several books.