New Delhi
The count of Indian students engaging in higher education has surged by nine million, reaching a total enrollment of 4.32 crore, marked by a notable increase in female student enrollment. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan disclosed that around two crore female students now form part of this higher education enrollment. Comparing the figures to 2014, there is a remarkable 31.6% rise in the number of female students presently studying.
In 2014, the total enrollment in higher education was 3.42 crore, constituting 23%. According to the latest survey for 2021-22, this has climbed to 4.32 crore, now representing 28%. The Education Ministry’s report highlights substantial growth in the resources of higher education institutions, with an increasing number of universities and colleges. Currently, there are 1,113 universities and 43,796 colleges across the country.
The report delves into student trends, indicating a record-breaking 12.3 lakh candidates applying for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) this year, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year. Notably, there is a considerable rise in the number of female applicants.
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan lead in higher education enrollment, collectively constituting the top six states. About 79% of students pursuing higher education are at the undergraduate level, with approximately 12% at the postgraduate level. Among those at the graduate level, the majority are in the arts stream, while science, commerce, and engineering and technology students account for 15.5%, 13.9%, and 11.9%, respectively.
