Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy has suggested setting up 2,500 teacher training colleges across India to improve the quality of education.
He said schools should teach students to think independently, ask questions and solve problems instead of simply memorising lessons.
Speaking at the Infosys Prize 2026 announcement on November 12, Murthy explained how better education and research could help India’s future growth.
Plan to Train Five Lakh Teachers Every Year
Murthy proposed bringing 10,000 experienced retired teachers from India and developed countries.
These teachers would specialise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM.
They would work in 2,500 training colleges across states and Union Territories.
Under his proposal, each group of four experienced teachers could train 200 school teachers every year.
This would allow around five lakh teachers to receive training annually.
Within five years, trained teachers could also begin training others, helping the programme reach more schools.
Teacher Training Could Cost $1 Billion Annually
Murthy estimated that the programme would cost around $1 billion every year.
Over 20 years, the total investment could reach $20 billion.
He said this amount would be affordable for India as it works towards becoming a $5 trillion economy.
However, Murthy stressed that training alone would not be enough.
Teachers and researchers should also receive better salaries, proper facilities and greater respect.
He said teachers play an important role in shaping the next generation.
Schools Must Encourage Independent Thinking
Murthy said students should learn to question ideas and understand how classroom lessons apply to everyday life.
He supported Socratic questioning, a teaching method that encourages learning through questions and discussions.
He also welcomed the National Education Policy for encouraging changes in teaching methods.
According to Murthy, students need stronger critical thinking, analytical skills and practical knowledge.
India Must Focus on New Inventions
Murthy explained that countries progress through four stages of innovation.
In the first stage, countries make little use of new technologies.
In the second, they use inventions developed by other countries.
In the third, they improve existing technologies through research and education.
In the fourth, they develop their own inventions.
Murthy said India has made progress in areas such as space technology, atomic energy, vaccines, agriculture and generic medicines.
He also highlighted India’s success in software services.
However, he said India must work towards becoming a country that develops more original inventions.
Murthy Raises Concerns About Indian Cities
Murthy also spoke about problems affecting Indian cities.
He highlighted air pollution, traffic congestion and difficulties in providing clean and safe drinking water.
He said India still has a long way to go in making its cities better places to live.
Better Education Can Support India’s Growth
Murthy said India’s future depends on strong education, better research and greater innovation.
He encouraged young people to remain curious, work hard and learn from successful practices around the world.
His proposal for 2,500 teacher training colleges aims to improve teaching standards and help students develop the skills needed for India’s future.
