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@article{195396,
        author = {DR. GYANESH KUMAR and DR. GYAN SINGH},
        title = {India’s Higher Education in Transition : Expanding Access, Enhancing Quality, and Advancing Toward Global Competitiveness.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {456-460},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=195396},
        abstract = {India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world in terms of student enrollment and has witnessed remarkable expansion in recent years. According to the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, India now has over 1,168 universities and more than 45,000 colleges, with total student enrollment reaching 4.33 crore. Despite this rapid institutional growth, the sector faces persistent structural, financial, and quality-related challenges. This study analyzes the current status and key issues of higher education in India using AISHE data and insights from the National Education Policy 2020.
The analysis highlights significant improvements in access to higher education, particularly reflected in the rise of the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from 25.6% in 2019–20 to 29.5% in 2022–23. Increased participation of women and marginalized social groups such as SC, ST, and OBC communities indicates progress toward greater inclusiveness. However, the findings reveal several ongoing challenges, including faculty shortages, financial constraints in public universities, disparities in infrastructure, and a persistent gap between theoretical curricula and industry requirements. The growing dominance of private institutions and the increasing reliance on coaching culture also raise concerns regarding educational quality and equity.
The study emphasizes the need for systemic reforms focusing on faculty development, digital infrastructure, curriculum modernization, and value-based education. Strengthening institutional governance and ensuring equitable access to quality education will be crucial for achieving the GER target of 50% by 2035 envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020. The paper concludes that while India has achieved substantial quantitative expansion in higher education, sustained efforts are required to enhance quality, inclusiveness, and global competitiveness in order to transform the country into a leading knowledge economy.},
        keywords = {Higher Education, AISHE 2021-22, GER, Faculty Shortage, Quality Assurance, NEP 2020.},
        month = {April},
        }