THE INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

For our first Research Bar, we’re putting one of the most familiar and most debated systems under the microscope: the Indian education system.

We often hear that education should be based on merit. But what exactly is merit? Are exam scores a fair measure of ability? Does increasing seats and reducing competition actually create better professionals? And who gets to decide what deserves to be rewarded in the first place?

Rather than looking for one definitive answer, this edition brings together three speakers, three perspectives, and one system to explore these questions from very different angles.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Harikrishnan Vannadil

Ophthalmologist • Entrepreneur • Former Army Officer

Dr. Harikrishnan Vannadil comes from a diverse professional background spanning medicine, the Indian Army, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship. He has studied at AFMC, Pune and completed his postgraduate training through the National Board.

His perspective:

He argues that merit should remain the primary basis for advancement, with support and hand-holding focused particularly on foundational stages. He questions whether simply reducing competition or increasing seats can create a more skilled population. Instead, he believes that rewarding achievement creates the incentive to strive for it.

Krishna Priya

HCI & XR Researcher • Educator

Krishna Priya is an HCI and XR researcher and educator whose experience spans engineering, industry, academia and research in India and Germany. She has worked as an Assistant Professor in Hyderabad, founded an AR/VR research lab, and currently conducts research with IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay. She also contributes to the Education Division at HCIPAI, exploring the intersection of HCI, design and engineering education.

Her perspective:

She questions whether merit is really as objective as we assume it is-and, more importantly, who gets to decide what counts as merit in the first place.

She also looks at how students, parents, educators and society collectively shape the values and incentives of the education system.

Elora Satya Darsi

Author • Educator • Head of Marketing, Logiciel Solutions

Elora Satya Darsi is the author of IELTS Decoded and has worked across education, communication, technology and AI. She has spent around five years teaching learners across different age groups and backgrounds and has also worked with AI-driven systems and data.

Her perspective:

She questions whether exam scores can really be treated as a straightforward measure of merit when students develop under vastly different circumstances-from differences in schooling and language exposure to access to coaching, technology and family support.

About The Brain Bar:The Brain Bar is a series of intimate, idea-driven gatherings hosted in cafes and bars where complex ideas are explored through engaging, discussion-led conversations. It's where you come not just to listen, but to think, question and see the world a little differently.If you've ever wondered how the past continues to live in the present, how trauma can outlive the people who experienced it, or why some memories refuse to disappear - this one's for you.

A quick note: We’ll be capturing photographs and videos during the session, which may be used on The Brain Bar’s social media and other promotional platforms. By registering, you acknowledge and consent to being captured in these recordings

📅 30th August

🕕 5.30 PM onwards

📍 Groove Hub, HiTech City

☕ ₹150 from your ticket is redeemable on f&b at the cafe.