“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man” -- Swami Vivekanad

The cradle of modern education in India, Kolkata is the birthplace of geniuses like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Keshab Chandra Sen, whose names have been imprinted in the history of Indian Education forever. With a literacy rate of 80.86%, the city is the home to some of the most reputed names in the field of education like the IIM Joka and the Calcutta Medical College.

The cosmopolitan culture of the city finds a reflection in the various systems of various systems of education like the I.C.S.E, C.B.S.E, W.B.H.S.E (West Bengal Board of Higher Secondary Education) and the Islamic Madrashas. A large number of schools in kolkata impart primary and high school education to the students under these educational systems.

Looking Back

In the early days education in Kolkata was imparted to the students in the vernacular language Bangla and Sanskrit. However, with the advent of British Imperialism, the story took a new turn. It is interesting to note here that the concept of western education was brought forth with a view to accelerate their interests. The advent of education was welcomed with certain apprehensions which were later cleared out with the help of great scholars and reformists like Ram Mohan Roy and Vidyasagar.

Role and Responsibility of the Government

Educational scenario in Kolkata has improved leaps and bounds with an important initiative from the Government of West Bengal. It has taken significant steps in educating one and all and spreading the need of computer literacy even in the outskirts of the city. Schools offering free elementary education to the children belonging to the lower economic classes also take care of other needs of the children like food and clothing. They provide the students with mid day meals and school dresses.

Keeping in mind the importance of the city in the field of scientific study and research the government has also encouraged the growth and development of internationally renowned institutions.  

Today and Tomorrow

While the steps taken by the government has ensured secure educational years for the students in the city at present, their future is also no less bright. No sooner does the child complete his school education than he gets a choice of graduating with a subject of his choice from a huge list of colleges. Then comes the role of the universities in helping them to do their post graduation courses or research. Today there are also a number of institutions offering vocational education to the students like National Institute of Technical Teacher’s Training and Research.

Future trends of education in Kolkata hint a bent towards a simpler format keeping in mind the American system of school education. Apart from that there is a general shift of the question pattern from essay to short answer types.