AISHE report highlights decline in higher education undergraduate enrolments
While the AISHE report provides crucial official survey data on higher education trends and human resource development, none of the provided candidate syllabus nodes directly match the core GS2 topic on education and social sector development.
Notes
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report for 2023-24 released by the Ministry of Education, undergraduate (UG) enrolments in India declined for the first time since AISHE began in 2011.
Total higher education enrolments increased by 3.7 lakh (0.8%) in 2023-24, representing the lowest-ever annual increase, while UG enrolments—which constitute over 75% of total enrolments—fell by 93,000 (0.27%).
The drop in UG enrolments occurred despite an increase in the eligible youth population and a rise in participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from 56,180 in 2022-23 to 59,533 in 2023-24.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education increased marginally from 29.5 to 30 in 2023-24.
Gender-wise analysis shows the UG enrolment drop was driven by male students (a 2.2% decline), whereas female UG enrolments grew by 1.8%.
State-level data reveals significant drop in absolute numbers in Maharashtra (-6%) and Uttar Pradesh (-3%), with sharp percentage drops in J&K (-13%), West Bengal (-8%), and Delhi (-6%).
Uttar Pradesh registered a sharp decline in UG enrolments alongside an equivalent surge in diploma course enrolments, while Tamil Nadu recorded the highest absolute increase (+1.6 lakh).
Discipline-wise, the decline in undergraduate enrolment was concentrated in traditional streams: Arts, Sciences, and Commerce.
Questions
The findings of the recent All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) highlight key demographic shifts, including a contraction in undergraduate enrolments alongside changing gender dynamics. Analyze the underlying causes of these trends and discuss their policy implications for India's higher education system.250 words
Highlight the regional variations in higher education enrolment trends as revealed by recent AISHE data. What strategies should be adopted to ensure equitable higher education access across states?150 words
Prelims
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report for 2023-24, which of the following statements is correct regarding enrolment trends?
Undergraduate enrolments registered a decline for the first time since AISHE reporting began in 2011.
Female undergraduate enrolments declined at a faster rate than male enrolments.
Total higher education enrolments recorded their highest-ever percentage growth in 2023-24.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education dropped below 25.
Answer A
As per the AISHE 2023-24 report, the contraction in undergraduate enrolments was primarily concentrated in which set of academic streams?