Why Are So Many Indians Talented At Math?

Anil - Feb 11, 2020


Why Are So Many Indians Talented At Math?

The tradition of being gifted in mathematics has been passed through successive generations in India.

Historical Background

Needless to say, India is home to a vast number of famous mathematicians throughout human history, such as Brahmagupta, Aryabhatta, and Bhaskara II from the Ancient India period. These iconic Indian mathematicians did significantly contribute to the evolution of mathematics from the very beginning like the invention of the number zero concept or the decimal system number.

>>> The World Spent A Century Solving The Math Problems Ramanujan Left On His Death Bed

math Srinivasa Ramanujan
Srinivasa Ramanujan - The man who knew infinity

Some of the most significant works were in the field of trigonometry and algebra. With the use of sutras (meaning “rules” in the Indian language), the Vedic Math delivered various computation techniques.

The longstanding tradition for mathematics has been passed through successive generations, resulting in a country that aims to nurture the youngsters with a burning passion for math and related fields like information technology, computations or engineering, etc.

Socio-economic factors

The socio-economic circumstances of India also the main factor for why Indians are good at math. Over the decades, doctors and engineers were the few professional individuals who could have a bright career prospect.

math IMO
Two American-born Indian students once helped the US win the International Mathematical Olympiad after decades.

Before being qualified for any medical or engineering school in the country, Indian students have to get through very difficult entrance exams that focus on math as well as science-related subjects. In fact, only a few of the best students can get admitted to a prestigious college or university. As a result, such requirements end up in that everyone from the school system to the students has to pay a lot of attention to math and science.

Rigor of Math

Kids in India start learning multiplication every evening from their very early childhood, helping them get a very good ability of mental math. As they grow older and go to high school, they dive math formulas and rules. Indian education method depends on the process of learning and practicing on a regular basis. Students are tasked with many mathematical problems and concepts and they gradually integrate a second nature into themselves, answering to why so many Indian students are good at math.

math Indian Uni
Students are tasked with many mathematical problems and concepts.

In comparison with the US system, India doesn’t train students with creative thinking or a deep understanding of the subject. This approach has both pros and cons: Some students might be obsessed with math due to their fear while some just look like a mechanic when it comes to problem solving and computations. Clearly, this education system comes at a cost as it lacks innovation and creativity. However, getting into the race of hunting jobs somehow forces students to learn as much as possible, especially when the labor reaches hundreds of millions of people.

Computer Industry Boom

The computer industry and IT service have sprung up so fast in the country. Besides a good fluency of English, Indians boast a big advantage compared to other countries in terms of becoming an international engineer. While the US - the world’s center of software and computer industry - always has a high demand for qualified engineers, India gets its back.

math indian programmer
A lot of young Indian graduates and engineers subscribe to programming lessons at either universities or online classes.

Many young graduates have taken this opportunity to chase their dream of working for a big tech company, where is the prospective land for their talent. Starting with a strong background in mathematics, they subscribe to programming lessons at either universities or online classes. Those who already are mathematicians, engineers, physicists, etc can soon level up the ability in IT and computer science.

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