Less than one per cent students opt for research oriented

Less than one per cent of students pursuing higher studies opt for research oriented courses, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"Out of the total enrolments in higher education, The percentage of students enrolling in the field of research is about 0.79 per cent," Minister of State in Human Resource Development (HRD) Shashi Tharoor told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a query.
As per a data of University Grants Commission, 1,60,872 students enrolled for research oriented courses in 2011-12 against the total enrolment of 20,327,478 in other courses, he said.
The minister informed the House that the government has taken various measures for promotion and growth of post graduate level studies and research.

"The steps include continuous increase in successive plan allocations for scientific departments, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, establishment of new and attractive fellowships amongst others," Tharoor said.
He pointed out that the HRD ministry had set up a task force under the chairmanship of Professor M M Sharma for rejuvenation of basic scientific research in Indian universities. It has now been converted into an empowered committee to implement the recommendation of the task force.