The Union Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24. AISHE gathers detailed data from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country through a web-based Data Capture Format, where institutions upload information on student enrolment, faculty and staff, infrastructure, and examination results. It remains the primary source of official statistics on higher education in India and feeds directly into policy formulation, planning, and monitoring for the sector.
AISHE Participation Crossed 90%
HEIs turned out in strong numbers for both surveys. In 2022-23, 56,180 out of 60,380 registered HEIs took part, and in 2023-24, 59,533 out of 64,756 registered institutions participated. That puts the participation rate above 90% for both years.
Gross Enrolment Ratio Keeps Climbing
The Gross Enrolment Ratio, or GER, is calculated as student enrolment against the total population in the 18-23 age group, based on 2011 population projections. It stood at 23.7 in 2014-15 and has been rising steadily since, reaching 29.5 in 2022-23 and 30 in 2023-24. Female GER has climbed too, from 22.9 in 2014-15 to 30.2 in 2022-23 and now 31.2 in 2023-24.
The numbers look encouraging for social categories as well. GER for Scheduled Caste students rose from 18.9 in 2014-15 to 27.8 in 2023-24, and for Scheduled Tribe students, it went from 13.5 to 22.8 over the same period.
Gender Parity Index Stays Above 1.0
The Gender Parity Index, the ratio of female GER to male GER, measures how equally men and women access higher education. It stands at 1.08 for 2023-24. This is the seventh year in a row that the GPI has stayed above 1.0, meaning female participation in higher education has consistently outpaced male participation during this period.
Overall Enrolment Crosses 4.5 Crore
Total enrolment in higher education has grown from 3.42 crore in 2014-15 to 4.46 crore in 2022-23 and 4.50 crore in 2023-24, a 31.5% increase since 2014-15. Female enrolment has grown even faster, from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.18 crore in 2022-23 and 2.24 crore in 2023-24, a jump of 42.2%.
Enrolment among SC students rose to 69.72 lakh in 2023-24 from 46.07 lakh in 2014-15, up 51.4%. ST student enrolment rose even more sharply, from 16.41 lakh to 28.83 lakh, a 75.7% increase. OBC enrolment grew from 1.13 crore to 1.80 crore, up 60.2%.
STEM Enrolment and Faculty Numbers Also Rise
STEM enrolment has grown from 91.5 lakh in 2014-15 to 1.02 crore in 2023-24, pointing to a growing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in the country. Female representation in STEM has also improved, rising from 38.4% in 2014-15 to 44% in 2023-24. On the faculty side, the total number of teachers reached 17.32 lakh in 2023-24, with 55.1% male and 44.9% female. Female faculty strength has grown from 5.69 lakh in 2014-15 to 7.37 lakh in 2022-23 and further to 7.78 lakh in 2023-24.
Key Takeaway: The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) Reports 2022–23 and 2023–24 highlight the continued expansion and increasing inclusivity of India’s higher education sector, with Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) reaching 30.0 in 2023–24 and the Gender Parity Index (GPI) remaining above 1.0 for the seventh consecutive year.
The reports record total enrolment crossing 4.50 crore, alongside substantial growth in enrolment among SC, ST and OBC students, increased participation of women in higher education and STEM disciplines, and a rise in faculty strength. With participation from over 90% of registered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), AISHE continues to serve as the Government’s principal database for evidence-based policy formulation, planning and monitoring of the higher education sector.
M.C.Q.
Question 1: According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023–24, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education reached:
- A. 28.4
- B. 29.5
- C. 30.0
- D. 31.2
Question 2: The Gender Parity Index (GPI) reported in AISHE 2023–24 was:
- A. 0.98
- B. 1.00
- C. 1.08
- D. 1.15
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