History of education in British rule can be divided into four periods.

1. From the early days of the British rule upto 1813. 

2. Period from 1813 – 1853

3. Period from 1854 – 1920

4. Period from 1921 – 1947

1. From the early days of the British Rule:

• The Company’s charter was renewed in 1813, which compelled the company to assume responsibility for the education of Indian’s, though on a very limited scale.
• Missionaries, non-missionaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy of Bengal, Pachyappar of Madras, W. Frazer of Delhi contributed to the cause of education.

2. Period from 1813 – 1853:

• The second period was also marked by great educational controversies concerning the issues of educational policy, medium of instruction and method of spreading education.
• These controversies were partially set at rest by Macaulay’s Minutes of 1835.
• It also encouraging English education for the upper classes.

3. Period from 1854 – 1920:

• The Third phase of British – influenced education may be called the period of an All India Educational Policy.
• It commenced with Sir Charles Wood’s Despatch in 1854.

4. Period from 1921 – 1947 :

• This period may be called provincial autonomy. 
• The Act of 1935 ushered a new era of educational advancement through the country.
• After the Second World War, a very important plan for educational development, known as the Sergeant Report (1944) was prepared.