Science and other STEM branches (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at school and in colleges have importance in South Indian education systems, from an early level. This article explores why South India leans more towards technological development.
Each student in high school encounters a pivotal choice: Science, Commerce, or Humanities. For the majority, it is the crucial moment that determines their future. 42 lakh students in India opted for the science stream in 2022. Interestingly, the majority of them originated from five southern states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This is not just by chance; it stems from a cohesive fusion of culture, infrastructure, and opportunities for the development of young minds.
A REGIONAL PREFERENCE
A 2023 study conducted by the Union Ministry of Education revealed some remarkable insights into stream selection across India. With 75.63% of Class 11 students choosing Science, Andhra Pradesh topped the list, followed by Telangana at 64.59% and Tamil Nadu at 61.50%. These numbers exceed the national average by a large margin, highlighting the robust tendency of South India toward scientific fields.
EDUCATION POWERHOUSE
A total of 1,229 institutions offering engineering and technology courses, recognized by AICTE, are located in the five southern states as well as in Pondicherry and Lakshadweep. With an annual intake capacity of almost 5.11 lakh students, this region is at the forefront of technical education.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
The IIT Madras zone consistently ranks first in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). 29 students from this zone made it to the top 100 in 2022.
“In 2022, Bengaluru was responsible for more than 30% of the tech startups in India (NASSCOM). Success in STEM fields is demonstrated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with these regions accounting for 21.3% of the top 500 JEE Advanced rank holders in 2023. Hyderabad further strengthens STEM preparation with over 1,000 JEE and NEET coaching centres,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Bharatam is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics at the GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam.
In terms of medical education, South India accounts for 41 percent of the country’s MBBS seats. In the region, there are 242 medical colleges, of which about 60 percent are privately operated. This forms an ecosystem that supports aspiring physicians.
PROGRESSING INTO SPACE EXPLORATION
Apart from the classrooms, South India has numerous contributions. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, another launch pad is being developed. It is approved for Rs 3,985 crores. Such a programme boosts hopes and improves the scientific prowess of the region.
A TRADITION OF SCHOLARLY DISTINCTION
South India has long been passionate about Science:
Historical Contribution:
The area has been a center of intellectual activity for many centuries, from Aryabhatta to the Kerala School of Mathematics.
Colonial Impact:
Cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have been transformed into educational centres due to British rule. This era saw the establishment of IISc Bengaluru and Madras Medical College.
Modern Icons:
Institutions like ISRO, based in Bengaluru, along with personalities like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has truly established South India’s reputation for scientific excellence.
“Higher English proficiency in South India provides a distinct advantage. Kerala, with a literacy rate of 96.2%, leads in English-medium education, enabling students to excel in science courses and access global opportunities,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Bharatam. In Hyderabad alone, over 1,000 coaching centres provide specialised training for JEE and NEET, compared to fewer than 400 in Uttar Pradesh, offering a more structured pathway to top institutes like IITs and AIIMS.
POLICY AND INVESTMENT
The economic development of Southern cities has been a key factor. Bengaluru, boasting a GDP of $110 billion in 2021, attracts talent in the IT and biotech sectors. The 2023-24 education budget of Karnataka, amounting to Rs 31,980 crore, features considerable allocations for STEM areas.
With Tamil Nadu designating ₹40,299 crore for education in the same year, Chennai’s industrial ecosystem fosters research in engineering and pharmaceuticals.
Southern states give priority to education. They attach great importance to higher education and technical studies. The enthusiasm of the area for creating a first-rate educational ecosystem is exemplified by VIT, Anna Hochschule, and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.
ALLOCATION OF BUDGET FOR SCIENCE IN NORTH AND SOUTH
The government ensures uniform allocation policies with initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, Skill India, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Although the goal of these programmes is to reduce regional disparities, Southern states have historically benefited from investments in institutions such as ISRO (Bengaluru) and DRDO (Hyderabad), providing them with a head start.
As an illustration, ISRO’s complete annual budget for 2023 amounted to Rs 13,949 crore, a significant portion of which is allocated to projects based in the South.
With India’s R&D expenditure amounting to only 0.7% of GDP in 2022, this constrains the capacity of both regions to engage in advanced research. However, the NEP 2020 seeks to boost equity by giving precedence to interdisciplinary learning and innovation in all states,” the professor elaborated.
As part of the National Education Policy, there is growing momentum for the establishment of regional science parks and incubation centres, with Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh being awarded grants to create STEM-focused schools. South India has a rich tradition of celebrating knowledge, from its ancient temples demonstrating sophisticated engineering to its modern space programmes.
It goes beyond being a mere statistic regarding South India’s inclination towards Science. It demonstrates a commitment to education and advancement. By investing in infrastructure, fostering talent, and respecting its storied past, the region inspires students nationwide to aspire for greater ambitions.
However, it’s not about the trends and the numbers. This concerns an area where education became a way of life. When the right groundwork is laid, the sky will not be the limit—it will merely signify the beginning.
Through such reforms, India can effectively address regional inequalities and bolster its international stature in science and technology.
Leave feedback about this