Introduction: The recently released All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 by the Ministry of Education provides a comprehensive overview of the higher education scenario in India, revealing key trends, achievements, and areas for improvement.
AISHE 2021-22 Report: click here
Enrollment Trends: The report showcases a notable surge in total enrollments, reaching approximately 4.33 crore in 2021-22, reflecting a 26.5% increase from the previous academic year. Interestingly, female enrollment witnessed a commendable 32% rise since 2014-15, underscoring strides in gender inclusivity.
Diversity in Enrollment: A deeper look at the demographics reveals a diverse student body, with 15.3% from Scheduled Castes, 6.3% from Scheduled Tribes, 37.8% from Other Backward Classes, and 40.6% from other communities. The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure equal access to education.
Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): The GER for higher education in the age group 18-23 increased to 28.4 in 2021-22, marking positive growth from 27.3 in 2020-21 and 23.7 in 2014-15. This signifies progress in expanding educational opportunities for the youth.
Regional Enrollment Hubs: States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan stand out as major contributors to student enrollment, highlighting the significance of regional educational hubs.
International Diversity: India continues to attract students globally, with the highest share coming from Nepal (28%), followed by Afghanistan, the United States, Bangladesh, UAE, and Bhutan. This internationalization adds a rich layer to the academic milieu.
Engineering Education Dynamics: The AISHE report delves into substreams of engineering, revealing a substantial 38% increase in Computer Engineering enrollments over the past three years. However, other substreams experienced fluctuations, indicating evolving preferences within the engineering domain.
Faculty Landscape: The survey sheds light on the faculty composition, with 15.98 lakh teachers in 2021-22, showing a positive shift in gender balance, with female faculty increasing by 22% since 2014-15.
Global Student Exchange: The report showcases India’s global appeal, with students from 170 countries pursuing education in the country. This cultural exchange enhances the learning experience and promotes diversity in academic environments.
Addressing Gender Disparity in STEM: UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar emphasizes the need to address gender disparities in STEM fields, pledging to challenge societal stereotypes and foster an environment conducive to women’s participation in science and technology.
Conclusion: The AISHE 2021-22 report not only captures the quantitative aspects of higher education but also underscores the need for continued efforts towards inclusivity, regional development, and gender equality in the evolving landscape of Indian academia.