India’s higher education sector has achieved a new milestone, with student enrolment reaching a record 4.5 crore in the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24, released by the Union Ministry of Education. The report highlights significant growth in overall enrolment, women’s participation, STEM education, and representation of SC, ST, and OBC students.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) increased to 30 in 2023-24 from 29.5 in 2022-23 and 23.7 in 2014-15, reflecting improved access to higher education. Women’s enrolment rose to 2.24 crore, accounting for a 42.2% increase since 2014-15, while the Gender Parity Index (GPI) remained at 1.08, indicating that female enrolment continues to exceed male enrolment.
The report also records strong progress in inclusive education. Enrolment among Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) has grown substantially, highlighting the impact of government initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities for underrepresented communities.
STEM education witnessed a major achievement, with enrolment crossing the one crore mark for the first time, reaching 1.02 crore students. Women now account for 44% of STEM enrolment, reflecting increasing gender diversity in science and technology fields.
The AISHE Report serves as a key benchmark for monitoring India’s higher education ecosystem and supports policy planning under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, helping shape future investments in infrastructure, faculty, digital education, and inclusive growth.
