The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the academic year 2021-22, conducted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, reveals transformative trends in the landscape of higher education. This article explores key highlights and insights from the survey, shedding light on student enrollment, gender dynamics, discipline preferences, infrastructure, and faculty composition.
Rising Enrollments and Inclusivity
The total enrollment in higher education has surged to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, showcasing a significant increase from 3.42 crore in 2014-15.
Female enrollment has notably risen to 2.07 crore, reflecting a commendable 32% increase since 2014-15.
Noteworthy improvements are observed in the enrollment of SC, ST, OBC, and minority students, signifying enhanced inclusivity and accessibility.
The enrollment of ST female students has shown a remarkable 80% increase since 2014-15.
Geographical Spread and Gender Parity
The total student enrollment in North East States has increased to 12.02 lakh in 2021-22, demonstrating regional growth.
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) remains above 1, indicating that female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) surpasses male GER for the fifth consecutive year.
Female GER has seen a notable increase, reaching 28.5 in 2021-22, up from 22.9 in 2014-15.
Discipline Preferences and Academic Levels
About 78.9% of students are enrolled in undergraduate courses, with 12.1% pursuing postgraduate studies.
Arts is the most preferred discipline at the undergraduate level (34.2%), followed by science (14.8%), commerce (13.3%), and engineering & technology (11.8%).
Social science dominates postgraduate enrollments at 21.1%.
Ph.D. Enrollments and Research Landscape
Ph.D. enrollment has surged by 81.2%, reaching 2.12 lakh in 2021-22.
Female Ph.D. enrollment has doubled, showcasing a 10.4% annual increase since 2014-15.
In STEM fields, female students outnumber male students, marking a positive trend in research-oriented disciplines.
Infrastructure Development
Availability of infrastructural facilities is widespread, with 99% of institutions having libraries, 88% with laboratories, and 93% with computer centers.
Skill development centers are present in 71% of institutions, reflecting a commitment to holistic education.
Institutional Landscape
The total number of universities and university-level institutions has increased to 1,168, with 341 new establishments since 2014-15.
Notably, 17 universities and 4,470 colleges are exclusively for women, showcasing efforts to promote gender inclusivity in education.
Faculty Composition
The total number of faculty has reached 15.98 lakh, with a marginal improvement in female representation, now at 43.4%.
Female faculty numbers have risen by 22% since 2014-15, contributing to a better gender balance in academic institutions.
Conclusion
The AISHE 2021-22 highlights a positive trajectory in Indian higher education, characterized by increased enrollment, gender inclusivity, and advancements in research-oriented disciplines. The data showcases the commitment of educational institutions and policymakers to create a more diverse, accessible, and quality higher education system in the country. As the sector continues to evolve, these insights provide a valuable foundation for future initiatives and reforms.
Source: PIB
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