Understanding Higher Education Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India

The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is a key indicator used globally to measure the level of participation in education at a particular level. For higher education, it is calculated by taking the ratio of the total enrollment in higher education, regardless of age, to the population of the official age group for higher education, multiplied by 100. A higher GER signifies greater access to higher education for the eligible population.

About the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It collects comprehensive data from all higher education institutions in the country on various parameters, including student enrollment, faculty details, infrastructure, and financial information. AISHE provides valuable data for policy formulation, planning, and research related to higher education.

Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India for 2018-19

According to the data released from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the academic year 2018-19, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in Higher education in India stood at 26.3%.

This figure represents the percentage of the population in the 18-23 age group enrolled in higher education institutions across India during that specific academic year. The consistent tracking of GER through surveys like AISHE helps assess the progress towards increasing access to higher education and identifying areas that require further attention and development.

Revision Table: AISHE and Higher Education GER

Additional Information on Higher Education Enrollment

Understanding the GER in higher education involves looking at various factors:

• Enrollment Trends: GER figures often show an upward trend over the years, indicating increasing participation in higher education.
• Gender Parity: AISHE data also provides insights into the Gender Parity Index (GPI), which measures the ratio of female to male GER, helping to identify gender gaps in enrollment.
• Discipline-wise Enrollment: The survey collects data on enrollment across different streams like Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Law, etc., giving a detailed picture of student preferences.
• Institutional Type: Enrollment figures are also broken down by type of institution (Universities, Colleges, Standalone Institutions) and management (Government, Private), providing a comprehensive view of the higher education landscape.

The GER is a crucial statistic for policymakers to gauge the reach and effectiveness of higher education policies and initiatives aimed at expanding access and improving quality.