• Education sector Reforms can be implemented once we know which government, Centre or State, is responsible for what in the education space. This is what the article comprehensively tells with insights from State level practioners.

This is the third article post the starting of CJP protests, the first two being How Different Players are using the Cockroach Janata Party Jantar Mantar protest and Why was NEET Introduced - Mandated by the Supreme Court Since protests started Education Sector Reforms is a buzz word hence article. 

Under the Constitution of India, education comes under the Concurrent List (Article 246) meaning both the Centre and State can make laws but if there is a conflict between the laws, the Centre law shall prevail. Also read Entry 66 of the Constitution for more. 

Brief Summary

“The Centre alone Declare institutions as Institutions of National Importance, Coordinate and determine standards in higher, technical and professional education, Establish Central universities and national institutions, Create national regulatory bodies such as the UGC, AICTE, NMC, NCVET, etc and Frame national standards for degrees, qualifications, accreditation and quality assurance. The States primarily Establish and manage State universities and colleges, Administer school education, Recruit and service teachers in State institutions, Frame State education rules and regulations, Implement Central schemes and State education programmes and Regulate fees, admissions and reservations, subject to constitutional provisions and Central laws.” Now the details.

At the outset state that am not a domain expert. I am a Senior Chartered Accountant, who before becoming a Business Consultant worked with some of India’s Best Companies across industries and Independent Columnist since 2003. 

Before proposing education sector reforms we need to know which government is responsible for what in the field of education. Read on.  

1. What is the Centre responsible for in Education?

“The central government sets national education policy, provides funding, and ensures minimum quality standards.” Both collaborate to improve access to and quality of education.”4 It provides education grants to various states, runs Institutes of Higher Education including Kendriya Vidyalas. Aim is promote national integration. Centre has to maintain uniformity in the standard of education across States, lay down general policies of education for state governments, give guidelines to state governments to implement the above and be a coordinating agency. It has to be a source of ideas on education for states. Centre has to maintain education/cultural relations with countries. 4 Details-

1. Declaration of a National Education Policy (NEP).

Education is divided into Department of School and Higher Education.

2. Department of Higher Education

A. Apex Level Bodies 5 – AICTE, Council of Architecture, Indian Council of Historical Research, Indian Council of Social Service Research, Indian Council of Philosophical Research and University Grants Commission (UGC).

B. Board of Apprentice Training 4 (Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur and Kolkata).

C. Central Universities 44 – for e.g. AMU, BHU, University of Delhi, Shanti Niketan.  

D. IITs 23.

E. National Institute of Technology 32.  

F. Indian Institute of Information Technology 5 and IIITs in PPP mode 20.

G. Indian Institute of Science (IISc. Bangalore) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) 8.

H. Indian Institute of Management 21.

I. Institutions related to Hindi and other languages 4.

The department of Higher Education is responsible for the running of all these institutions including conducting entrance exams.

3. Department of School Education and Literacy – Key Offerings are 5 below. 

A. PM Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN),

B. ULLAS (adult education), 

C. National Means-cum-merit Scholarship Scheme,

D. National Awards to Teachers,

E. Samagra Shiksha.

Within dept of school education, is the Organization as shown below.

1. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS is providing a number of Vocational, Life Enrichment and community oriented courses besides General and Academic Courses at Secondary and Senior Secondary level),

2. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE achieve planned and coordinated development of the teacher education system throughout the country),

3. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT undertake, promote and coordinate research in areas related to school education; prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary material, newsletters, journals and develops educational kits, multimedia digital materials, etc),

4. National Bal Bhawan (today continues to help children become future creative thinkers, designers, scientists, leaders, compassionate and responsible citizens who contribute to the society),

5. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) (residential schools),

6. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) (for transferrable government employees).

The department of Secondary Education is responsible for the running of all these institutions. To fulfil responsibility in 2 and 3 above, some things Education ministry does-

1. Sets uniform benchmarks for higher, technical, and medical education through bodies like UGC (University Grants Commission), AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education and NMC (National Medical Council).

2. Prepares Budget for Financial Support & Monitors Schemes.

3. Conduct NEET tests.

4. Runs CBSE Board (Central Board of Secondary Education).

The National Medical Commission reports to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. You need to apply here for establishment of new medical colleges or increase in the number of seats Site has a link for List of Colleges teaching MBBS

2. Before moving on States responsibility, what is ICSE Board for schools?

“The ICSE board stands for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, an ICSE Overview managed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). It is a private, national-level education system in India known for a deep focus on English and a broad syllabus.”

They conduct ICSE (10^th) and ISC (12^TH) exams. They operate independently, decide the syllabus and conduct exams.

“CISCE as a National Board has a rich legacy beginning in 1958 and has its roots in the Cambridge University Examinations, which were conducted in the country at the time.” To read Chairman Dr G Immanuel statement and know names of earlier Chairman click here A review of the names of former Chairman and Chief Executives/Secretaries indicate they are all Christians. I went to an ICSE school founded by the British in the 1860s.

CISCE is based in New Delhi and is affiliated schools across India (mainly minority Christian says a source). Conditions for CISCE affiliation

3. What is the State responsible for in Education?

Simply put, “States adapt and executes national policies and central programs at the state/local level to satisfy state level needs and aspirations. It manages local administration. Recruits and trains teachers for state-run schools. Primary and secondary education is the responsibility of the state, together with opening of schools and colleges. Today, higher education is by the Centre and States. It has to frame curriculum and syllabus. It has to provide aid to various educational institutions.” 4 Details.

I have taken state of Maharashtra site for telling about role of states in education.

“SARAL portal, which stands for Systematic Administrative Reforms for Achieving Learning by Students, is an initiative by the School Education and Sports Department of Maharashtra. It serves as an integrated platform designed to streamline administrative processes and enhance the educational experience.” Key modules are Students, School, Staff, Sanstha (Manages teaching and non-teaching staff details), RTE Admission, Sanch Manyata (Portal for schools to apply for recognition, renewal, or upgradation of classes. Tracks compliance with norms and facilitates online approval), Mid-day meal monitoring, e-Marksheet portal, Sports Portal.

To know Education department Organization Structure . There is a Commissioner Education to whom report Director of Education (Primary), Director of Education (Secondary and Higher Education), Chairman M.S. Board of Secretary and Higher Education, Chairman Maharashtra State Council of Education, Director of M.S. Textbook production and Research Centre, Director State Council of Educational Research and Training. Below these are numerous positions.

4. Commonly asked Questions and information about Role of States  

A. Who decides the Syllabus and Textbooks in State government schools? - The State government decides. In CBSE schools it is decided centrally.

B. States decide which institution is a Minority.

C. States decide to which institution Right to Education Act applies and then administers RTE.

D. States decide Community wise reservations in Educational Institutions and Administration.

E. Teacher Recruitment & Administration: Recruits, trains, and manages salaries for teachers in government schools/College's and state-aided institutions-AI.

F. Permission to Open New Schools and Colleges.

G. Conduct of HSC (Higher Secondary Board) and Graduate examinations.

H. Permission to set up College (non-professional colleges in the State)

I. Enforces mandatory school/College attendance, manages local admissions, and distributes mid-day meals, scholarships and free textbooks.

J. Managing and Monitoring Budgets

K. Who gives permission for setting up Private Engineering Colleges?

“Need permission from three bodies. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra, and a recognised State University.” (Search)

L. What is the role of State government in Private Medical Colleges?

“The Maharashtra state government regulates admissions, sets tuition fees, and ensures adherence to academic standards in private medical colleges. State bodies—such as the CET (State Common Entrance Test) Cell and Fees Regulating Authority (FRA)—ensure seat allotments are transparent, ending institutional admission quotas to prevent seat-blocking. Seat Distribution across State. Academic and Ethical Compliance: While the National Medical Commission (NMC) provides the primary curriculum and infrastructure guidelines, the state oversees day-to-day adherence through the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) and affiliations with state universities like the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS).” (Search) 

M. What is the role of State government in Govt owned Medical Colleges?

“The State government fully funds, regulates, and administers state-owned medical colleges in Maharashtra through the Directorate of Medical Education and Research.” (Search) 

N. What is the role state government in private aided schools, medical and engineering colleges?

“The Maharashtra government regulates and partially funds private aided schools, while purely regulating private engineering and medical colleges. The state enforces curriculum standards, ensures compliance with reservation policies, and manages admissions and fee structures through centralized authorities to maintain accessibility and educational standards.” (Search)

So saying Reforms in Education is a broad term. We need to specify at a Central or State Level or both.

4. INSIGHTS from Academics

1. East India Prof - UGC has been reduced to just an affiliating and funding body. For all practical purposes, each state frames its own rules including retirement age of professors and the UGC is there as a nominal and token body.

2. Maharashtra  

The state government controls the education sector closely. It sets up Syllabus, conduct SSC/HSC (10/12 exams), conducts TET (Teacher Eligibility Test including for private schools), regulates college admissions to 11 standard unless recommended govt. In aided schools they control virtually everything. If SSC they decide fees for all schools. For Private school i.e. unaided schools fees need to be approved by the government. , for non-SSC fees approved from the government. If a new school is to be opened it has with the government. For Minority schools the government does not control fees.

3. Tamil Nadu

Samacheer Kalvi: The state follows the Uniform System of School Education (Samacheer Kalvi) to ensure a common curriculum and equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Student Welfare Schemes: Initiatives such as the Nutritious Midday Meal Scheme, free textbooks, uniforms, bicycles, laptops (as applicable), and bus passes have helped improve attendance and reduce dropout rates.

In Tamil Nadu, even though matriculation schools are private, there is quite a bit of government regulation. Schools can appoint their own teachers only if they have the qualifications prescribed by the government. The syllabus is decided by the State. Fees charged is approved by the Fee Determination Committee. Schools manage the day-to-day running but many important decisions are actually under the State Government’s control. 

4. Maharashtra College

Though University education lies on the Concurrent List, state frameworks manage schooling / Junior College infrastructure and Right to Education. Under this states  must provide free and compulsory elementary education and hold the operational responsibility to design school curricula, set textbooks, and run teacher training institutions in alignment with constitutional values and regional needs.

At present implementation of NEP and IKS is being handled by universities, autonomous colleges and then same is implemented in affiliated colleges. Central government rarely checks the exact curriculum but gives broad guidelines for State to run their policies.

In case of any errors, suggestions leave a comment or mail me at esamskriti108@gmail.com

Also read

1. India needs a Masterclass in responsibility and accountability of each arm of the government

2. Agriculture is a State subject in India   

3. Solution to Farm Distress lies with State governments

4. PPT - Role of Central and State governments in Education – VG.