“India’s institutional footprint in higher education has expanded considerably over the decade.

The number of universities increased from 760 in 2014-15 to 1,289 in 2023-24, registering a growth of 69.6 per cent. The number of colleges rose from 38,498 to 48,246, an increase of 25.3 per cent, while standalone institutions increased from 12,276 to 15,221, registering growth of about 24 per cent…

The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) also improved steadily, rising from 23.7 per cent in 2014-15 to 29.5 per cent in 2022-23 and 30 per cent in 2023-24. The rise represents increased participation in higher education and progress towards the NEP 2020 target of achieving a 50 per cent GER by 2035…

Female participation has emerged as a major area of progress in India’s higher education system.

Female enrolment increased by 42.2 per cent, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, outpacing the growth in total enrolment…

The Gender Parity Index (GPI) in higher education also improved from 0.92 in 2014-15 to 1.08 in 2023-24. Among SC students, GPI increased from 0.91 to 1.11, while among ST students it rose from 0.81 to 1.08.

A GPI of one represents parity between male and female participation, while a figure above one indicates higher female participation.”

From DD India.