India's Higher Education Landscape

How many students attend college in India, what kinds of institutions they attend, and the gap between India's enrolment and that of richer countries.

India has one of the world’s largest higher education systems, with over four crore students, according to the government’s All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE).

Types of institutions

Central universities, such as Delhi University and JNU.
State universities and their many affiliated colleges, which educate most students.
Institutes of national importance, such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS and NITs.
Private universities and deemed universities.
Standalone institutions for teacher training, nursing and more.

Most students study in private institutions, though public universities remain important, especially for affordability.

Enrolment

India’s gross enrolment ratio in higher education, the share of 18-to-23-year-olds enrolled, has risen to around 28 percent. NEP 2020 targets 50 percent by 2035. Many rich countries have ratios well above 60 percent.

Growth drivers

Rising school completion.
Aspirations for white-collar jobs.
Growth of private colleges.

Challenges

Quality varies widely; many colleges lack good faculty and facilities.
Employability: many graduates lack skills employers want.
Research: limited compared with global leaders.
Access: gaps between states, rural and urban areas and social groups.

The affiliated college

A student in a small town enrols in a local college affiliated to a state university. Hundreds of such colleges follow the same syllabus and exams. She gets a degree cheaply, but classes are large and facilities limited.

Thinking most Indian students attend IITs or central universities

The vast majority attend state university-affiliated colleges and private institutions.

Key takeaways

India has over four crore higher education students.
Most study in affiliated colleges and private institutions.
The gross enrolment ratio is around 28 percent, with a 50 percent target by 2035.
Quality, employability and research are key challenges.