India, Aug. 30 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Higher education out-turn refers to the total number of students who pass out of higher education institutions in a given academic year.
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) is the ratio of GER for females to GER for males, reflecting equitable participation of females in the education system.
Building India's Knowledge Ecosystem: A Decade of Progress
Higher education is a cornerstone of India's journey towards a knowledge-based economy and a key pillar of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy envisions an education system that promotes holistic, multidisciplinary learning and advances the goals of SDG 4. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The Ministry of Education conducts an annual survey of Higher Education Institutions in India.
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), conducted annually by the Ministry of Education, provides a comprehensive evidence base on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country. The data helps track the progress of higher education reforms under NEP 2020, identify emerging gaps, and inform policy responses.
A Growing Higher Education Footprint
According to AISHE reports, India's higher education network has expanded significantly over the decade.
This expansion reflects a widening institutional base and greater capacity to serve learners across the country. It has strengthened the reach of higher education, supported broader participation, and contributed to building a more accessible, diverse, and inclusive knowledge ecosystem for India's future.
Increasing Student Enrolment: Advancing Equity and Inclusion
Higher education enrolment in India has risen steadily over the past decade, growing 31.5% from 3.42 crore students in 2014-15 to 4.50 crore in 2023-24.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Enrolment
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) enrolments in higher education have increased steadily over the past decade.
Total enrolments increased from 91.5 lakh in 2014-15 to 1.02 crore in 2023-24, representing an overall increase of approximately 11.5% over the period.
The growth reflects expanding institutional capacity and sustained student interest in STEM disciplines, driven by government initiatives, digital technologies, innovation, research, and employment opportunities strengthening India's knowledge economy.
Foreign Student Enrolment in Higher Education
Faculty Growth in Higher Education
The number of teachers in higher education increased from 14.73 lakh in 2014-15 to 17.32 lakh in 2023-24, representing an overall increase of 2.59 lakh teachers, or approximately 17.6% growth during the period.
Infrastructure facilities
Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, infrastructure facilities in higher education institutions have improved considerably. Physical and digital infrastructure, green infrastructure and separate amenities for women and PwBD have been developed across institutions. In 2023-24:
In addition, most universities, colleges, and standalone institutions were also equipped with facilities such as health centres, skill development and computer centres, auditoriums, and conference halls.
Towards a Future-Ready Higher Education Ecosystem
India's higher education sector has expanded significantly over the past decade, with growth in institutions, enrolment, faculty strength and student out-turn. Improvements in Gross Enrolment Ratio, women's participation, gender parity, and inclusion of SC, ST and other disadvantaged groups reflect enhanced access and equity. Rising enrolment in STEM and international students indicates the strengthening of India's knowledge ecosystem. Together, these achievements highlight the impact of NEP 2020 in promoting quality, inclusion, and excellence.
References
Ministry of Education
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2282525®48&lang1
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s392049debbe566ca5782a3045cf300a3c/uploads/2025/06/202506041473712372.pdf
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s392049debbe566ca5782a3045cf300a3c/uploads/2026/07/20260708401535366.pdf
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s392049debbe566ca5782a3045cf300a3c/uploads/2026/07/202607131602421770.pdf
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