India’s Higher Education System: Meeting the Challenges of the Future

New Delhi- The future of India’s higher education system presents a significant challenge, with the need for 86.11 million enrolments by 2035, an 85% increase from current levels. This requires a sustained annual growth rate of 5.3%, as highlighted in a recent report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Grant Thornton Bharat.

The report, titled “Continuous improvement journey of Higher Education Institutions: Approaches and Practices Shaping the Future of Learning,” emphasizes the importance of meeting the targets set by the New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Achieving a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035 will demand significant expansion in both student seats and faculty capacity.

The traditional brick-and-mortar institutions alone will not suffice to meet this challenge. The report suggests a differentiated approach that includes technology-enabled learning pathways such as digital universities, virtual ecosystems, and online programs to extend access beyond physical campuses.

Based on focused roundtables with universities in the northern region, the report highlights the need for institutions to adapt to evolving job skills by embedding micro-credentials, modular credits, and work-integrated learning. Leveraging AI-enabled assessments and industry partnerships is also crucial.

As technology and learner expectations reshape the education landscape, institutions are focusing on enhancing academic flexibilities, stakeholder experience, and process improvements through technology. The transformation of higher education in India is no longer just a policy goal but an operational necessity.

As institutions strive for continuous improvement, the focus is shifting towards not just access but also scale and quality. The dialogue surrounding higher education in India is evolving to meet the challenges of the future.