The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has set an ambitious target: increasing India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from around 28% to 50% by 2035. This means nearly doubling the number of students pursuing higher education in the next decade. Such a goal is not just about expanding colleges and universities, but also about rethinking how the higher education system works across states, institutions, and disciplines. A federated strategy, where the Centre and states collaborate closely while institutions innovate within their own contexts, is seen as essential to make this vision a reality.
I am writing about this because the GER target is directly linked to India’s social and economic growth. A higher enrolment rate means more skilled workers, stronger innovation, and better opportunities for youth across regions. But at the same time, it raises important questions: How will infrastructure cope? How can states with low enrolment bridge the gap? And how do we ensure quality while focusing on numbers? This topic matters because if India succeeds in this transformation, it could reshape not just higher education but also the nation’s position in the global knowledge economy. For readers, understanding this debate is important since the success of NEP 2020 will shape the opportunities available for millions of young Indians in the next decade.
The Vision of NEP 2020
NEP 2020’s GER target is not only about adding more students but about:
- Making higher education accessible in every state and district
- Encouraging flexible learning pathways, including online and hybrid models
- Breaking silos between disciplines through multidisciplinary institutions
- Giving students multiple entry and exit options to reduce dropout rates
Why a Federated Strategy is Essential
India’s education system is vast and diverse, which makes a one-size-fits-all approach impractical. A federated strategy means:
- States with low GER (like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) can adopt special measures while high-performing states (like Tamil Nadu) can focus on quality improvement
- Universities can work with local industries to align courses with regional job markets
- Central policies provide broad direction but allow states to innovate within their local contexts
- Shared digital infrastructure, like SWAYAM and National Digital University, can bridge gaps in access
Challenges on the Road to 50% GER
- Infrastructure strain: Doubling enrolment requires more classrooms, hostels, and labs
- Teacher availability: Recruiting and training faculty at scale is a huge task
- Equity concerns: Rural, tribal, and disadvantaged groups may still be left behind
- Quality vs quantity: Expansion must not lead to diluted academic standards
Opportunities Ahead
- Technology-enabled learning can expand access without heavy physical infrastructure
- Partnerships between public and private institutions can boost resources
- Localised skill-based courses can attract first-generation learners
- International collaborations can strengthen curriculum and research
