Background
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is the annual flagship survey of the Ministry of Education.
It was launched in 2011 to create a comprehensive database on India's higher education system.
The survey collects information from universities, colleges, and standalone institutions through a web-based data collection portal.
Data is self-reported by institutions and covers infrastructure, enrolment, faculty, finances, examination results, and educational outcomes.
AISHE data is widely used for policy formulation, planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of schemes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Indicators Used in AISHE
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of students enrolled in higher education compared to the total population in the 18 to 23 years age group.
Gender Parity Index (GPI): Ratio of female GER to male GER. GPI = 1 indicates equal participation. GPI > 1 indicates higher female participation.
Highlights of AISHE 2023–24
Total Higher Education Enrolment: Increased to 4.5 crore, a 31.5% rise from 3.42 crore in 2014–15.
Female Enrolment:
Increased from 1.57 crore (2014–15) to 2.24 crore (2023–24).
Registered a 42.2% increase over the decade.
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
Stood at 1.08 in 2023–24.
Remained above 1.0 for seven consecutive years, indicating higher female participation than male participation.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)
Overall GER (18–23 years): 30.0
Female GER: 31.2
Social Inclusion
Scheduled Castes (SC)
Enrolment increased by 51.4% to 69.72 lakh.
GER improved from 18.9 to 27.8.
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Enrolment increased by 75.7% to 28.83 lakh.
GER improved from 13.5 to 22.8.
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
Enrolment rose by 60.2%, from 1.13 crore to 1.80 crore.
STEM Education
Total STEM enrolment crossed 1.02 crore.
Women's share in STEM increased from 38.4% (2014–15) to 44% (2023–24).
Challenges
Data Quality: AISHE relies on self-reported institutional data, which may affect accuracy.
Regional disparities in higher education access and quality persist.
Low GER compared with many developed nations.
Need to improve employability and industry relevance of higher education.
Faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps remain in several institutions.
Way Forward
Improve the quality and verification of institutional data submitted under AISHE.
Expand higher education infrastructure in underserved regions.
Increase scholarships and targeted support for disadvantaged groups.
Strengthen research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.
Promote greater female participation in advanced STEM research and leadership roles.
Continue reforms under the National Education Policy 2020 to achieve the target of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
Conclusion
The AISHE report for 2023-24 demonstrates how India continues to make headway regarding access to higher education, gender equality, and inclusivity. The increase in the number of enrollments and engagement in STEM subjects is a positive sign, but continued efforts will be required in order to meet India's higher education goals.
