The Economic Times · 11 Aug 2026
Higher education enrolment hits record 4.5 crore; Female enrolment jumps 42.2% over a decade; STEM enrolment crosses 1 crore
India’s higher education enrolment reached a record 4.50 crore students in 2023–24, according to the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reports for 2022–23 and 2023–24. Enrolment increased 31.5% from 3.42 crore in 2014–15, while the Gross Enrolment Ratio for the 18–23 age group rose to 30.0. Female enrolment reached 2.24 crore, up 42.2% over the decade, with the Gender Parity Index at 1.08. STEM enrolment also crossed one crore, reaching 1.02 crore students.
Why it matters
The latest AISHE figures indicate that India’s higher education system has made substantial progress in expanding participation and broadening access. The growth in female enrolment and the continued rise in participation among SC, ST and OBC students point toward a more inclusive higher education landscape, while the increase in STEM participation is significant for India’s future research, technology and innovation capacity.
However, growing enrolment also increases the responsibility of institutions to ensure that expansion is matched by adequate faculty, infrastructure, academic support and learning quality. With 4.5 crore students now participating in higher education, differences in institutional capacity and student outcomes could become increasingly important.
The figures therefore represent more than an access milestone. They highlight the next challenge for Indian higher education: converting expanded participation into high quality learning, stronger employability, meaningful research outcomes and equitable student success.
Source: The Economic Times (opens in a new tab)
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Strategic Planning & Institutional Growth8