India’s Higher Education Sees 38.4% Rise in Female Enrollment, GER Climbs by 30.5% in Last Decade: Dharmendra Pradhan

Female participation in STEM courses grows by 23%, signaling a major step toward gender inclusivity in higher education.

India's higher education sector has witnessed a significant transformation over the past decade, marked by a 30.5% increase in overall student enrollment—from 3.42 crore in 2014-15 to 4.46 crore in 2022-23. Of this, female enrollment saw a remarkable 38.4% rise, from 1.57 crore to 2.18 crore, highlighting the country’s concerted effort to improve gender parity in education. Notably, female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields surged by 23%, from 35.14 lakh to 43.03 lakh, further underscoring India’s commitment to empowering women in traditionally male-dominated disciplines.

A particularly noteworthy development is the rise in female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Female enrollment in STEM courses saw an impressive 23% increase, growing from 35.14 lakh to 43.03 lakh over the same period. This achievement is part of India’s broader vision to enhance gender parity in higher education and encourage women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The expansion of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) also played a pivotal role in enhancing access to education. The number of HEIs in India grew by 13.8%, from 51,534 in 2014-15 to 58,643 in 2022-23, facilitating the rising demand for higher education. Among these, universities witnessed the highest growth, with a 59.6% increase, from 760 to 1,213 institutions.

Pradhan also shared that the government’s efforts to create world-class institutions led to the establishment of 42 new premier institutions, including Central Universities, IITs, IIMs, IIITs, and IISERs, over the past decade. These initiatives have contributed to India’s growing reputation in global education, with 46 Indian HEIs now ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025, a 318% increase since 2015.

As India continues to focus on improving access and inclusivity in education, the rise in female enrollment and GER stands as a testament to the country’s transformative journey towards a more equitable and globally recognized higher education landscape.

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