Education in Himachal Pradesh

Education In Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh was under the direct control of the British colonial rule in the mid 19th century. Also, the state was the summer capital of India during the British colonial rule. Hence, the standard of education provided in the state has reached to a considerably high level. The state has several highly reputed educational institutions for higher studies.
The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), NIT Hamirpur are some of the pioneer institutions located in the state. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has allocated Rs 4.5 crore to Himachal Pradesh University in the 10th plan which is an increase of nearly 70% over the ninth one. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry has gained a unique distinction not only in the nation but also in whole of Asia for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines.

Solan Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital is the first & only Homoeopathic Medical College in the state of Himachal Pradesh, founded in 2002 by Health Trust of India, a charitable trust registered in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The college is affiliated to H. P. University, Shimla, approved by the Himachal Pradesh Government & Recognized by the Central Council of Homoeopathy, Department of AYUSH (Govt. Of India) New Delhi for 5 ½ Years degree course – B.H.M.S (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery). It is located midway between Chandigarh & Shimla at KUMARHATTI on National Highway 22. Students from as far as Manipur and Mizoram are studying here in its serene, cool and spacious campus located among pine trees.

In 2002, Government of Himachal Pradesh allowed the Jaypee Group to open first private university of the state namely Jaypee University of Information Technology. In April. 2008 two new private universities namely Eternal University and Chitkara University were established. Eternal University, established in Sirmour Distt. of Himachal Pradesh, is the first University of Distt. Sirmour. Akal College of Nursing, established in 2008, affiliated to Eternal University, Baru Sahib became the First Nursing college to be established in the state of Himachal Pradesh in Private sector.Government of Himachal Pradesh allowed the K.D. Education Trust to open first private university of the Kangra namely Arni University at Kathgarh, the seat of the famous Lord Shiva temple, near village Mirthal, 25 km from/ on Pathankot- Jalandhar Highway (NH-1A).

The government is working constantly to prepare various plans in order to strengthen the education system of Himachal. The state government has decided to start up with 3 major nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state.
Himachal has one of the highest literacy rates in India. Hamirpur District is among the top districts in the country for literacy. Education rates among women are quite encouraging in the state.
Himachal Pradesh is home to many educational institutions offering a wide variety of courses. There are five universities, two medical colleges, four dental colleges and two engineering colleges in the state. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary schools and more than 1,300 high schools in Himachal. In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal has now became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child in the state. Himachal Pradesh government is also very keen to transform this state into an education hub. In March 2008, Government of India made an announcement stating that as part of the 11th five year plan, an Indian Institute of Technology will be established in this state. Further, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Engineering and Technology Institute has been started at Pragatinagar, in shimla distt. This college will have engineering related courses such as ITI, Diploma and Degree all in same campus.