SBI Research Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Right to Free and Fair Education, Seeks Statutory Status for NTA
SBI Research has suggested a constitutional right to free and fair educational opportunities and called for changes to the National Testing Agency framework as part of wider higher education reforms.
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India's higher education system has expanded rapidly over the past decade, but several challenges around access, examinations, funding and staffing remain. A new report by SBI Research has suggested a set of reforms, including a possible constitutional right to free and fair educational opportunities and a stronger legal framework for the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The suggestions come as the higher education sector continues to grow in terms of institutions and student enrolment. According to the report, India had 64,756 universities, colleges and standalone institutions in FY24, while higher education enrolment crossed 4.5 crore students. Women accounted for nearly half of the total enrolment.
SBI Research On Right To Free And Fair Education
SBI Research has suggested examining whether Article 21 of the Constitution could be amended to support a right to free and fair educational opportunity.
The report said the idea of “free” education should also cover protection from fraud, discrimination and unreasonable barriers to education. This is a proposal made by SBI Research and does not represent a change in the Constitution.
At present, Article 21A provides a fundamental right to free and compulsory education for children between six and 14 years. Higher education is not covered by Article 21A.
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SBI Research Suggests Statutory Status For NTA
The report has also suggested changing the legal structure of the National Testing Agency. NTA currently operates as a registered society and conducts several major entrance and eligibility examinations.
SBI Research has proposed creating NTA as a statutory body through an Act of Parliament. It said this could provide clearer legal responsibilities, permanent expertise and an independent review mechanism.
The report said NTA had conducted more than 240 examinations for over 5.4 crore candidates by July 2024. It also suggested stronger systems for question-paper security, candidate appeals and public accountability.
Higher Education Funding And Faculty Vacancies
The report also highlighted funding and staffing issues. According to SBI Research, higher education's share of total government expenditure has remained around 1 per cent, compared with 1.6 per cent in FY18.
It suggested increasing this share to 1.5 per cent and filling vacant teaching positions. Around 34 per cent of sanctioned teaching posts across centrally funded institutions were vacant, according to the report.
Focus On Vocational Education
SBI Research also called for faster expansion of vocational training. It noted that 30.7 per cent of Indians aged 15–29 had received or were receiving vocational training in 2025, up from 7.1 per cent in 2018.
The report said further expansion of skill-based education would be important as India works to prepare young people for changing employment needs.
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Anjali is an education journalist with over a year of experience in digital and business journalism. She has previously worked with BW Businessworld and ANI, where she gained experience in news writing, editing, research, and fact-checking. At Jagran Josh, she writes education news and covers competitive exams and current affairs, with a keen interest in delivering accurate, informative, and reader-focused content. She holds a BA from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Anjali enjoys reading and exploring new ideas and perspectives through books.
