India’s Higher Education: From Tradition to Transformation
Education in India has long been deeply rooted in its philosophical traditions, where Vidya was seen as a tool for holistic self-empowerment rather than mere knowledge accumulation. Ancient Indian texts emphasize this belief, stating that “The wealth of knowledge is indeed the supreme among all forms of wealth.” Over the decades, India has worked toward preserving and advancing this legacy. In the past decade alone, India’s representation in global rankings has surged by 318%, the highest among G20 nations, reflecting the positive strides in higher education.
Expanding Universities and Growing Student Enrollment
On February 10, 2024, NITI Aayog released the report “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities,” highlighting the role of State Public Universities (SPUs) in making education accessible, especially in remote areas. These universities currently serve over 3.25 crore students, and with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aiming to double enrollments by 2035, SPUs will continue playing a crucial role in India’s higher education landscape.
Evolution of India’s Education System
At independence in 1947, India had 17 universities and 636 colleges, catering to about 2.38 lakh students. The literacy rate then stood at a mere 14%. Today, there are 495 State Public Universities and over 46,000 affiliated institutions, with SPUs accounting for 81% of total student enrollment, making higher education widely accessible.
Growth of India’s Higher Education Ecosystem
India’s higher education system has grown tremendously since the establishment of its first universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in 1857. According to the AISHE Report 2021-22, the country now boasts:
- 1,168 universities
- 45,473 colleges
- 12,002 stand-alone institutions
The number of colleges alone has quadrupled in the last two decades, reflecting a remarkable expansion in the sector.
Significant Growth in GER
India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has increased 71 times since 1950-51, reaching 28.4% in 2021-22, compared to 0.4% in 1950-51. The NEP 2020 targets a GER of 50% by 2035, emphasizing continued progress.
Enrollment Trends Across Categories (2011-2022):
- SPUs: Enrollment rose from 2.34 crore (2011-12) to 3.24 crore (2021-22).
- OBC Enrollment: Increased by 80.9%.
- SC Enrollment: Grew by 76.3%, with participation rising from 15% to nearly 26%.
- ST Enrollment: Doubled by 106.8%, with participation increasing from 11% to 21%.
- Muslim Minority Enrollment: Grew by 60.6%.
- Other Minority Enrollment: Increased by 53.2%.
- PwD Enrollment in SPUs: Increased by 6.6% since 2011-12.
State Public Universities have the largest share of enrollments, growing from 24.5 lakh (2011-12) to 29.8 lakh (2021-22), marking a 21.8% increase. State Private Universities saw the fastest growth, increasing 497%, from 2.7 lakh to 16.2 lakh enrollments.
The national Gender Parity Index (GPI) improved from 0.87 (2011-12) to 1.01 (2021-22), reflecting a 16% increase in gender equality in higher education.
Faculty and Academic Positions in Indian HEIs
India’s higher education sector has approximately 16 lakh faculty members, distributed as follows:
- 68% are Lecturers/Assistant Professors
- 10% are Associate Professors
- 9.5% are Professors
- 6% are Demonstrators/Tutors
- 5.7% are Temporary Teachers
- 0.8% are Visiting Teachers
The number of Professors has marginally increased over the years, highlighting the need for further faculty development.
India’s Growing Research Contribution
India’s share in global research publications has increased from 3.5% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2024. The NIRF 2024 rankings highlight the significant role of:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), contributing 24% of total research output through 16 institutions.
- Private Deemed Universities, responsible for 23.5% of publications, with 22 institutions showing improved research output.
Investment in Higher Education
India has significantly increased its investment in the higher education sector, allocating 1.57% of its GDP to tertiary education in 2021. This figure surpasses many European nations and is approaching levels seen in the US and the UK, ensuring continuous expansion and strengthening of the education ecosystem.
Conclusion
India’s higher education sector has transformed remarkably, with significant growth in enrollments, an expanded university network, and improved representation of disadvantaged groups. Gender parity has improved, faculty numbers have increased, and research contributions have grown. With the NEP 2020’s ambitious target of a 50% GER by 2035, India remains focused on strengthening education infrastructure, faculty development, and research, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all.
