Scientific Research and Development in Indian Higher Education: Problems and Challenges

India one of the fastest growing economies of the world, is riding on a wave of academic revolution, amidst its population almost reaching one and a half billion. Consequently, there is a fierce competition in good and useful education. With resources becoming scarce and costly, there are few choices left to the young generation in its quest for learning. And, we are at a time when science and technology is at crossroads, making decisions difficult for students to opt basic science or plunge into the state-of-the-art industry loving technology tools, giving quick revenues. In this communication, educational pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities are discussed in order to cope up with the advancement of science and technology. Unfortunately, one of the scariest problems is, the system of selection of highly qualified and deserving faculty in India’s most of the colleges and universities. Of late, this has become a matter of great concern and redressal at the earliest. Those who once get selected in a dubious manner, remain nothing more than, academic parasites for rest of their career. Seldom, meritorious achievements, quality publications, research and development experience are taken into consideration. This has to be eliminated at the earliest so as to preserve the sanctity and high standards of our education system, set-up so painstakingly by our earlier generations.