Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Education has released the All-India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), 2021-22
• The All-India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Ministry of Education since 2011.
• It covers all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) registered with AISHE, collecting detailed data on various parameters to provide insights into the higher education landscape in India.

Key Findings of the Report

• Total Enrolment: The total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, indicating growth in the accessibility and popularity of higher education institutions.
• Demographics: The report provides a breakdown of enrolment by demographic categories such as Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Class, and others, reflecting the diversity within the student population.
• Female Enrolment: The significant increase of 32% in female enrolment from 2014-15 to 2021-22 is a positive indicator of progress towards gender parity in higher education.
• Minority Enrolment: The 38% increase in minority enrolment underscores the importance of inclusive policies and initiatives to cater to the educational needs of minority communities.
• Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): The increase in GER to 28.4 in 2021-22 for the age group 18-23 years indicates an improvement in the proportion of eligible students accessing higher education.
• Top States in Enrolment: The enrolment data for top states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan provides insights into regional disparities and educational priorities.
• Foreign Students: The data on foreign students’ enrolment reflects India’s attractiveness as an education destination for students from neighbouring countries as well as globally.
• Top five engineering sub-streams by enrolment: Computer Engineering (CE), Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (ME), Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. However, only Computer Engineering (CE) and Electrical Engineering (EE) witnessed an increase in enrolments, while Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electronics Engineering, and Civil Engineering experienced a decrease.
• Total number of Universities/University level institutions: 1,168; Colleges: 45,473; Standalone Institutions: 12,002. Since 2014-15, 341 Universities/University level institutions have been established. Further, the 17 Universities (14 State Public Universities) and 4,470 Colleges are exclusively for women.
• Total number of faculty/teachers in 2021-22: 98 lakh, with 56.6% male and 43.4% female. Further, the female faculty/teachers increased from 5.69 lakh in 2014-15 to 6.94 lakh in 2021-22, marking a 22% increase since 2014-15.