Number of colleges in India, 2016-2021 (Thousands of Colleges)
India Brand Equity Foundation; Various sources (UGC, Aishe, NEP); PwC India
29 Apr 2023
The higher education sector in India encompasses over 1,000 universitiesThe higher education sector in India encompasses over 1,000 universities, including colleges affiliated with central or state universities, which expanded by 4,746 in 2018 to reach 43,796 in 2021. Recent reforms in the Indian higher education sector, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandating internships for undergraduates and issuing new guidelines for institutional development, signify its dynamic progression. With the projected number of higher education students in India expected to reach 92 million by 2035, the sector is rapidly evolving, prioritizing quality, infrastructure, and internationalization to meet global standards and attract both national and international students. Initiatives such as the four-year undergraduate program by the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the establishment of international campus branches aim to offer flexible opportunities through online and distance learning. The sector offers vast opportunities for development and investment, with a growing emphasis on innovation, technology integration, and strategic capacity building.
CC BY 4.0