Overview
The Ministry of Education has released detailed data on student composition in premier institutions – IITs, IIMs, IISERs and Central Universities (CUs). The data, drawn from the AISHE 2023‑24, shows rising enrolment of women and socially disadvantaged groups.
Key Developments (2023‑24)
- Intake capacity increased to 34,553 for IITs, 9,956 for IIMs, 2,642 for IISERs and 2,76,988 for CUs.
- Total enrolment reached 1,49,839 (IITs), 22,997 (IIMs), 11,646 (IISERs) and 7,95,467 (CUs).
- Female participation rose to 35,534 in IITs, 7,552 in IIMs and 4,760 in IISERs.
- Reservation share for SC/ST/OBC students increased compared with 2014‑15, reflecting the impact of the NEP 2020.
- New institutes since 2014: 16 IIITs, 8 CUs, 8 IIMs, 7 IITs, 2 IISERs, 1 NIT and 12 AIIMS.
- Budget 2025‑26 approved Research Parks in five newly‑established IITs (Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, Dharwad) with an outlay of Rs 11,828.79 crore for an extra 6,500 seats.
- Union Budget 2026‑27 proposes five University Townships near industrial corridors and a girls’ hostel in every district to boost STEM enrolment for women.
Important Facts & Figures
- Reservation policy under the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 continues to guide seat allocation.
- Funding trends (Rs. crore):
- IITs – from 6,455.28 (2020‑21) to 11,381.21 (2025‑26).
- IIMs – from 465.22 to 278.65 (fluctuations reflect policy shifts).
- IISERs – steady rise to 1,447.48 (2023‑24) then slight dip.
- CUs – growth to 16,730.17 (2025‑26).
- Scholarships, fee reductions and fellowships are being extended to students from financially weak backgrounds and socially disadvantaged groups across all HEIs, including private institutions.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the expansion of higher‑education infrastructure is vital for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Economy). Questions may focus on:
- Impact of reservation in central institutions on social equity.
- Role of the Union Budget in shaping higher‑education policy.
- Alignment of new institutes and research parks with the objectives of NEP 2020.
- Data‑driven planning using AISHE figures.
Way Forward
To sustain inclusive growth, the government should:
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for reservation compliance across all premier institutions.
- Scale up scholarships and fee waivers for economically weaker sections, especially in STEM fields.
- Accelerate the establishment of University Townships and girls’ hostels to improve female participation in technical education.
- Leverage Research Parks to foster industry‑academia collaboration, enhancing employability and innovation.
- Continue using AISHE data for evidence‑based policy adjustments and transparent reporting.