GER reaches 28.4; Female Enrolment rises to 28.8%, ‘Arts’ most popular UG Course: AISHE 2021-22 Report

The total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22 from 4.14 crore in 2020-21. There has been an increase of around 91lakh in the enrolment from 3.42 crore(26.5%) in 2014-15.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has unveiled the highly anticipated All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022, presenting a holistic snapshot of the country's higher education system. Conducted annually since 2011, this survey encompasses all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and provides invaluable insights into critical parameters such as student enrollment, faculty demographics, infrastructure, and more.

Student Enrollment Surge:

The AISHE 2021-22 report reveals a monumental surge in student enrollment in higher education, reaching an impressive 4.33 crore, as compared to 4.14 crore in the previous academic year. This substantial increase of 91 lakh demonstrates the nation's growing commitment to providing accessible and inclusive education.

Inclusive Growth Across Demographics:

A notable highlight is the rise in female enrollment, reaching 2.07 crore in 2021-22, showcasing an increase of around 50 lakh since 2014-15. Additionally, there has been a commendable increase in the enrollment of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Minority students, underlining strides in achieving a more inclusive education system.

Regional Progress and Gender Parity:

The report sheds light on regional progress, with North East States exhibiting significant growth as total student enrollment reaches 12.02 lakh in 2021-22. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) stands at 1.01, emphasizing that female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) continues to surpass male GER for the fifth consecutive year.

Academic Discipline Distribution:

Art disciplines emerge as the most sought-after at the undergraduate level (34.2%), followed by Science (14.8%), Commerce (13.3%), and Engineering & Technology (11.8%). At the postgraduate level, Social Science takes the lead with a 21.1% enrollment share.

PhD Enrollment and Research Growth:

The report showcases a remarkable 81.2% increase in PhD enrollment, reaching 2.12 lakh in 2021-22. Notably, female PhD enrollment doubles, reflecting a 10.4% annual increase since 2014-15.

Faculty Dynamics:

The total number of faculty members in 2021-22 stands at 15.98 lakh, with 56.6% male and 43.4% female representation. The increase in female faculty members by 22% since 2014-15 contributes to a marginal improvement in the female-to-male ratio.

Infrastructure Development and Institutional Growth:

In terms of infrastructure, the majority of universities boast essential facilities, with 99% having libraries, 88% laboratories, and 93% computer centers. Skill Development Centers and Playgrounds are present in 71% and 91% of institutions, respectively. The report also highlights institutional growth, with a total of 1,168 universities/university-level institutions, 45,473 colleges, and 12,002 standalone institutions registered.

This comprehensive AISHE report stands as a testament to India's strides in higher education, emphasizing increased enrollment, gender inclusivity, and advancements in research and infrastructure. The Ministry of Education aims to leverage these insights to further enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education across the nation.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 today. The Ministry has been conducting AISHE since 2011, covering all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country registered with AISHE collecting detailed information on different parameters such as student enrollment, teachers, infrastructural information, etc.