Every high school student faces a turning point: Science, Commerce, or Humanities. For most, it is the turning point that decides their future. In 2022, 42 lakh students in India chose the science stream. Interestingly, most of them came from five southern states – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This is no coincidence; it is a result of a harmonious blend of culture, infrastructure, and opportunities to nurture young minds.
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A REGIONAL PREFERENCE
According to a study by the Union Ministry of Education in 2023, there are some stunning insights into stream selection across India. Andhra Pradesh led the pack with 75.63% of Class 11 students opting for Science, followed by Telangana at 64.59% and Tamil Nadu at 61.50%. The figures are far above the national average, which points to South India’s strong inclination toward the sciences.
INFRASTRUCTURE
South India has a love affair with science, backed by an excellent foundation of resources and opportunities. This region has many cutting-edge laboratories, research centres, and innovation hubs.
To name a few:
- ISRO in Bengaluru is encouraging space science
- Hands-on research facilities are available at NAL and CLRI
EDUCATION POWERHOUSE
The five southern states and Puducherry and Lakshadweep house 1,229 AICTE-approved institutions that confer engineering and technology courses. This region boasts an intake capacity of nearly 5.11 lakh students per year and is a leader in technical education.
COMPETITIVE EDGE
The IIT Madras zone is always at the top in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). In 2022, 29 students from this zone were in the top 100.
“East India contributes through institutions like IIT Kharagpur, which is renowned for engineering research in environmental and energy studies. Kolkata’s Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is globally recognised for its leadership in data science,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Bharatam is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics at the GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam
“Bengaluru alone accounted for over 30% of India’s tech startups in 2022 (NASSCOM). STEM success is evident in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, contributing 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,” the professor further added.
In medical education, South India has 41 per cent of the country’s MBBS seats. Of the 242 medical colleges in the region, nearly 60 percent are privately run, which creates an ecosystem that nurtures aspiring doctors.
ADVANCING SPACE EXPLORATION
Besides the classrooms, South India has many contributions. Another launch pad is under development at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. It is sanctioned for Rs 3,985 crores. This kind of programme raises aspirations and enhances the region’s scientific strength.
A LEGACY OF INTELLECTUAL EXCELLENCE
South India has a long history of passion for Science:
Ancient contribution: From Aryabhata to the Kerala School of Mathematics, the region is a hub for intellectual activity that dates back many centuries.
Colonial Impact: British rule has transformed cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad into educational centres. IISc Bengaluru and Madras Medical College were born out of this period.
Modern Icons: Organisations like ISRO, with its headquarters in Bengaluru, and figures such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, are what have actually solidified the reputation of scientific excellence in South India.
A CULTURE OF LEARNING
Families prioritise learning, and schools emphasise STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from an early age. This dedication creates a virtuous cycle: Strong schools produce exceptional students who inspire the next generation.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21, Tamil Nadu leads the country with a Gross Enrollment Ratio of 52.5% in higher education, much of which is focused on STEM fields. Families prioritise careers in engineering and medicine, with 58% of Tamil Nadu parents preferring these paths for their children (ASER 2022).
“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
Economic growth in Southern cities has been a major driver. Bengaluru, with a GDP of $110 billion in 2021, is a magnet for talent in IT and biotech. Karnataka’s Rs 31,980 crore education budget for 2023-24 includes significant investments in STEM fields.
Chennai’s industrial ecosystem supports research in engineering and pharmaceuticals, with Tamil Nadu allocating Rs 40,299 crore to education in the same year.
Southern states prioritise education. They give much importance to higher and technical studies. VIT, Anna University, and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology represent the zeal of the region in developing a world-class education ecosystem.
ALLOCATION OF BUDGET FOR SCIENCE IN NORTH AND SOUTH
The government maintains uniform allocation policies through initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, Skill India, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While these programmes aim to bridge regional disparities, Southern states historically benefitted from investments in institutions like ISRO (Bengaluru) and DRDO (Hyderabad), giving them a head start.
For example, ISRO’s total annual budget for 2023 was Rs 13,949 crore, much of which is spent on projects headquartered in the South.
“India’s overall R&D expenditure, at just 0.7% of GDP (2022), limits both regions’ ability to pursue cutting-edge research. However, NEP 2020 aims to enhance equity by prioritising interdisciplinary learning and innovation across all states,” professor further explained.
Under National Education Policy, establishing regional science parks and incubation centres are already seeing traction, with Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh receiving grants for setting up STEM-focused schools.
South India is known for ancient temples showcasing advanced engineering to cutting-edge space programmes, the region has always celebrated knowledge.
This is more than a statistic in South India’s preference for Science. It attests to its dedication to education and progress. With investments in infrastructure, talent nurturing, and honouring its rich legacy, the region goes ahead of inspiring students throughout the country to dream bigger.
It’s not about the trends and the numbers, though. This is about a region that made education a way of life. If the proper foundation is built, the sky will not be the limit-it is only the starting point.
With such reforms, India is well-positioned to bridge regional disparities and strengthen its global standing in science and technology.
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