Achievements in Higher Education in Indian States

In a recent report by NITI Aayog, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kerala have been identified as top achievers in gross enrolment ratio (GER) for higher education in the academic year 2021-22. This report marks the disparities in higher education across various states, categorising them based on their performance and growth in this sector.

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)

The GER measures the number of students enrolled in higher education institutions relative to the eligible population. The report indicates that Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have shown growth in GER over the past decade. Conversely, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Jharkhand, and Bihar are classified as “aspirational” states due to their low GER.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR)

The report also examines the pupil-teacher ratio in universities. Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka have the lowest PTR, indicating a higher number of students per teacher. In contrast, Jharkhand and Bihar have the highest PTR, suggesting a more favourable student-to-teacher ratio.

College Density

Karnataka leads in college density, boasting 66 colleges per 1 lakh eligible population. This figure is more than double the national average of 30. States like Manipur, Bihar, and Jharkhand have the lowest college densities, denoting the uneven distribution of educational institutions.

University Density

Sikkim has the highest average university density at 10.3, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. However, populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh fall below the national average, indicating a lack of sufficient universities to cater to their large populations.

Investment in Higher Education

Bihar and Manipur allocate 1.56% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to higher education, while Meghalaya follows with 1.33%. These figures reflect the financial commitment of states towards enhancing their higher education systems.

Historical Context

At the time of India’s independence in 1947, the higher education sector was underdeveloped, with only 17 universities and 636 colleges. Today, there are 1,168 universities and over 45,000 colleges, showing substantial growth in the sector.

Recommendations for Improvement

The report suggests implementing a National Research Policy and designating leading State Public Universities (SPUs) as research partners. It also calls for establishing a state-level Infrastructure Finance Agency for SPUs and revamping governing councils to include more representatives from the teaching community.

State Public Universities (SPUs)

SPUs account for 81% of total student enrolment in Indian higher education institutions. Karnataka leads in the number of SPUs, followed closely by West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of Gross Enrolment Ratio on the quality of higher education in India.
2. Estimate the role of State Public Universities in enhancing higher education accessibility across different states in India.
3. Point out the factors contributing to the disparities in college density among state of Indias.
4. What is the significance of pupil-teacher ratio in higher education? How does it influence student outcomes?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of Gross Enrolment Ratio on the quality of higher education in India.

1. GER indicates the level of participation in higher education, reflecting overall educational engagement.
2. A higher GER often correlates with increased government investment and infrastructure development.
3. Quality can be affected if rapid enrollment outpaces resources, leading to overcrowded institutions.
4. GER improvements in certain states suggest targeted policies can enhance educational quality.
5. Disparities in GER highlight inequalities, necessitating focused interventions for underperforming areas.

2. Estimate the role of State Public Universities in enhancing higher education accessibility across different states in India.

1. SPUs account for 81% of total student enrolment, indicating their central role in higher education.
2. They often cater to local populations, making higher education more accessible in various regions.
3. SPUs can address regional disparities by offering programs tailored to local needs and industries.
4. Investment in SPUs can drive improvements in infrastructure and faculty quality.
5. Collaboration with state governments can enhance funding and resources for SPUs, improving accessibility.

3. Point out the factors contributing to the disparities in college density among states of India.

1. Population size affects college density, with densely populated states often having lower ratios.
2. Economic factors and state budgets influence the establishment and maintenance of colleges.
3. Geographical challenges can limit access to higher education in remote areas.
4. Historical development and prioritization of education in certain states lead to varying densities.
5. Government policies and initiatives play important role in promoting or hindering college establishment.

4. What is the significance of pupil-teacher ratio in higher education? How does it influence student outcomes?

1. PTR is a key indicator of educational quality; lower ratios typically mean more personalized attention.
2. A favorable PTR can enhance student engagement and academic performance.
3. High PTRs may lead to overcrowded classrooms, negatively impacting teaching effectiveness.
4. Improved PTRs often correlate with better educational resources and faculty availability.
5. Monitoring and improving PTR can be essential for achieving educational equity across regions.