A successful classroom isn’t just about books and resources; it’s about creating an environment where students feel valued, heard and empowered to succeed
In populous and diverse countries like India, the educational landscape often mirrors the stark contrasts between urban and rural regions. Urban areas benefit from advanced infrastructure and access to extensive educational opportunities, while rural regions often struggle with limited resources and opportunities. This disparity significantly affects students in rural communities, restricting their career prospects and perpetuating cycles of poverty. However, innovative solutions like computer-based testing (CBT) hold the potential to bridge this divide, fostering enhanced employability and socioeconomic progress.
Empowering Through Certification: Educational centres play a pivotal role in fostering socioeconomic growth by equipping individuals with skills that lead to employment and entrepreneurship. Online learning initiatives and CBT offer equitable access to quality education, providing rural learners with opportunities comparable to their urban counterparts. CBT enhances these initiatives by enabling a broader range of courses and certifications, including technical skills like coding and data analysis and soft skills such as communication and leadership.
Certifications that are nationally or globally recognised add value to individuals’ skillsets, making them more competitive in the job market. As more people upskill and secure employment, communities experience economic upliftment. Educated individuals often share knowledge within their communities, creating a ripple effect that promotes continuous learning and development.
Addressing Skills Gaps: The demand for tech skills is on the rise globally. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 highlights that technology and IT roles constitute 16 of the top 100 rising jobs, reflecting the growing importance of tech-related expertise. Conversely, the Global Talent Shortage report by Manpower Group reveals a significant skills gap, with 77 per cent of employers struggling to find qualified talent. Bridging this gap is critical to meeting current and future market demands, particularly through IT and tech-focused courses.
According to Pearson VUE’s 2023 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report, professionals who earned IT certifications gained confidence in their abilities, with 81 per cent feeling empowered to explore new job opportunities. Educational centres with CBT capabilities enable individuals in rural areas to acquire certifications that align with market needs, thereby promoting quality education and employability across the nation.
The Broad Reach of Computer-Based Testing: The flexible nature of CBT offers unique advantages over traditional testing methods. Candidates can choose convenient testing locations and time slots, reducing stress and improving performance. This approach proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing individuals to take exams remotely.
The 2023 Value of IT Certification Report underscores the tangible benefits of certifications: 35 per cent of Indian candidates experienced job promotions, while 37 per cent secured new opportunities within their industry, and 20 per cent transitioned to different fields.
Bridging Urban-Rural Disparities: The increasing availability of CBT centres in remote areas is a step toward addressing regional disparities in education and employment. These centres provide a pathway for individuals to upskill, earn recognised certifications, and improve their career prospects. As India continues to expand its CBT infrastructure, the nation moves closer to realising equitable educational opportunities and fostering inclusive socioeconomic growth.
(The writer is Vice President EMEA and Asia, Pearson VUE; views are personal)
