In a major step towards reforming higher education in Tamil Nadu, the state government has launched a new initiative that brings students and academic experts together for direct conversations. This dialogue-based approach is designed to understand ground-level challenges faced by students and to use their input to strengthen the higher education structure in the state. The first round of interactions has already begun across select colleges and universities, where experts are listening to student voices on curriculum, infrastructure, internships, skill development, and more.
I’m writing about this topic because I believe education reform should not just be decided in boardrooms—it needs to include those who are actually living the system every day. Students know what’s missing in the classroom, what skills they want to learn, and what kind of support they need to succeed. By bringing them into the conversation, Tamil Nadu is taking a refreshing and democratic step towards building a stronger, more practical and future-ready education system. If you’re a student, teacher, or policymaker, this is a moment worth paying attention to.
Why This Dialogue Matters
The higher education department in Tamil Nadu wants to move beyond top-down policies and instead focus on what students actually experience in colleges. By engaging them directly, the government hopes to:
- Understand what students think about the current syllabus
- Identify gaps in industry-relevant skills and job training
- Collect suggestions on teaching methods, language of instruction, and infrastructure
- Make learning more practical and inclusive
This dialogue is happening as part of the state’s push to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, while still retaining local needs and priorities.
How the Dialogue Is Being Organised
The interaction sessions are being held at select colleges across the state. Education department officials, subject experts, and academicians sit with student groups and listen to their experiences. Some areas being covered include:
- Relevance of current subjects to job markets
- Opportunities for internships and hands-on learning
- Whether classrooms allow for critical thinking or just memorisation
- Availability of digital tools, library access, and mental health support
- Inclusivity of students from rural and marginalised backgrounds
Each session also collects written feedback from students, which will be compiled and analysed for future policy planning.
What Students Are Saying So Far
Some early inputs from students have been eye-opening. Here are a few common suggestions that have emerged:
- Include more industry visits and real-world projects in college curriculum
- Reduce theory-heavy content and focus on application-based learning
- Offer more short-term skill-based certifications alongside degrees
- Improve soft skills training like communication, team work, and leadership
- Make counselling and mental health services more accessible on campus
Many students also stressed the need for stronger placement support, especially in government colleges.
Government’s Plan Ahead
After collecting feedback from across districts, the higher education department will:
- Create a roadmap to update curriculum frameworks
- Work with universities and autonomous colleges to restructure programmes
- Allocate funds for labs, smart classrooms, and faculty development
- Launch pilot projects in skill-based learning and internships
- Explore tie-ups with industries to bridge the education-employment gap
Officials have also said that this will not be a one-time event. The dialogue process will continue in cycles, ensuring that student voices stay part of decision-making.
