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Enrollment in IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities: AISHE 2023-24 Data

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolitySocial JusticeEconomy

Why in news

The Ministry of Education released data on student enrollment in premier higher education institutions (IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities) based on AISHE 2023-24. The data shows an increase in SC/ST/OBC enrollment share compared to 2014-15, highlighting progress in social inclusion. This is significant for UPSC as it relates to reservation policy, NEP 2020 implementation, and government schemes for higher education.

Background

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) provides comprehensive data on higher education in India. The government has been expanding higher education infrastructure since 2014, establishing new IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities, and AIIMS. The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 mandates reservation for SC/ST/OBC in central educational institutions.

Key facts

in5points

  1. As per AISHE 2023-24, total enrollment in Central Universities: 7,95,467 (Male: 4,11,643; Female: 3,83,824; Transgender: 6).

  2. IITs total enrollment: 1,49,839 (Male: 1,14,305; Female: 35,534; Transgender: 10).

  3. IIMs total enrollment: 22,997 (Male: 15,445; Female: 7,552).

  4. IISERs total enrollment: 11,646 (Male: 6,886; Female: 4,760).

  5. SC/ST/OBC enrollment share increased in 2023-24 compared to 2014-15 in these institutions.

  6. Since 2014, 16 IIITs, 8 Central Universities, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT, and 12 new AIIMS have been established.

  7. Budget 2025-26 approved expansion of 5 IITs (Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, Dharwad) with ₹11,828.79 crore, enabling 6,500 additional students.

  8. Budget 2026-27 announced 5 university townships and 1 girls' hostel per district to boost girls' enrollment in STEM.

  9. Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 provides 15% SC, 7.5% ST, and 27% OBC reservation.

  10. Funding from 2020-21 to 2025-26 for IITs, IIMs, IISERs, and CUs has been provided, with 2023-24 figures not fully listed in the source.

Prelims pointers

  • AISHE: All India Survey on Higher Education, conducted by Ministry of Education.
  • Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC.
  • NEP 2020: National Education Policy, aims for equitable and inclusive education.
  • Institutions: IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), IIM (Indian Institute of Management), IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research), IIIT (Indian Institute of Information Technology), NIT (National Institute of Technology), AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences).
  • Budget 2025-26: Expansion of 5 IITs with ₹11,828.79 crore.
  • Budget 2026-27: 5 university townships, 1 girls' hostel per district.
  • Concurrent List: Education is in the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
  • AISHE 2023-24: Latest survey year mentioned.

Mains angles

  • GS2: Discuss the role of reservation policy in promoting social inclusion in higher education.
  • GS2: Examine the effectiveness of government schemes in increasing enrollment of marginalized groups in premier institutions.
  • GS3: Analyze the impact of expanding higher education infrastructure on economic growth and human capital formation.
  • GS2: Critically evaluate the implementation of NEP 2020 in achieving equitable access to higher education.
Enrollment in IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities: AISHE 2023-24 Data — UPSC Polity · in5points