Delhi has witnessed remarkable strides in higher education, as highlighted by the Annual Status of Higher Education (ASHE) 2024 report. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for female students has nearly doubled over the past five years, surpassing that of male students in 2021-22, signalling significant progress in gender parity. Concurrently, undergraduate enrolment has shown consistent year-on-year growth, positioning Delhi as a leader in promoting inclusivity and access to education.
The ASHE 2024, compiled by the CII Higher Education Committee and Deloitte, provides a comprehensive look at Delhi’s higher education sector. Using data from the All-India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) and Census 2011, the report sheds light on literacy rates, enrolment trends, education infrastructure, and gender representation. This analysis focuses on key findings, such as the remarkable growth in female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), evolving enrolment patterns, and institutional dynamics.
At a time when India’s education policies are undergoing significant shifts, the ASHE 2024 report highlights how Delhi has emerged as a noteworthy case study. With literacy rates far above the national average and an impressive expansion of higher education facilities, Delhi is setting benchmarks in accessibility and gender parity. However, the challenges of declining Ph.D. enrolment and skewed teacher-to-student ratios warrant attention.
Gross Enrolment Ratio: Female Students Outnumber Males
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) data for Delhi reveals a transformative trend in higher education accessibility for female students. While GER for females lagged behind their male counterparts in 2017-18 (27.1% compared to 34.7%), it saw a steady rise over the years. By 2020-21, female GER surpassed that of males, marking a milestone in gender equity.
In 2021-22, the GER for females surged to 49.7%, nearly doubling from 2017-18. This remarkable growth contrasts with the slower increase in male GER, which reached 48.3% in the same period. The overall GER for Delhi climbed to 49.0% in 2021-22, significantly higher than the national average, indicating Delhi’s robust higher education ecosystem.
Female Students Lead in Enrolment and Out-turn
Delhi’s higher education sector showcases an encouraging trend of female dominance in enrolment figures across multiple levels. For courses such as M.Phil., Postgraduate, and Undergraduate, the number of female students surpasses that of males.
• Student enrolment (2021-22): Female students account for 245,386, outnumbering males at 233,350.
• Out-turn figures (2021-22): Female graduates also dominate in the majority of courses, with 317,918 total graduates compared to 296,790 males.
This trend extends to professional qualifications as well. For instance, female enrolment in diploma and certificate courses exceeds that of males. Such statistics underscore the growing participation of women in higher education and their academic achievements.
Evolving Trends in Enrolment: A Time Series Analysis
The time series analysis of enrolment figures highlights critical patterns:
• Undergraduate Enrolment: The steady increase in undergraduate enrolment over the past five years is noteworthy, growing from 322,546 in 2017-18 to 376,898 in 2021-22.
• Ph.D. Enrolment: Conversely, enrolment in Ph.D. programmes has seen a decline, dropping consistently from 16,270 in 2019-20 to 14,094 in 2021-22.
These trends suggest a growing demand for undergraduate education while pointing to challenges in retaining students in advanced research programmes.
Institutional Landscape and Student-Faculty Ratios
Delhi’s education infrastructure boasts 30 universities, 188 colleges, and 107 standalone institutions. The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) stands at 21:1, better than the national average of 23:1. This ratio reflects an emphasis on quality education.
However, the average enrolment per college in Delhi (1,594) significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a potential strain on resources. Similarly, the teacher-to-college ratio, while higher in Delhi, may require recalibration to address specific subject gaps.
Gender Representation in Faculty and Staff
Interestingly, female representation in teaching roles is higher than that of males, with women comprising 53.9% of teaching staff in Delhi. This contrasts with non-teaching roles, where 66.4% of staff are male, indicating gendered divisions in employment patterns.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite several advancements, challenges such as the decline in Ph.D. enrolment and disparities in enrolment across social groups persist. The representation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in teaching and enrolment figures remains below their population share, while participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is negligible.
Delhi’s higher education ecosystem demonstrates a mix of progress and challenges. From achieving gender parity in GER to showcasing year-on-year growth in undergraduate enrolment, the city stands as a model for others. However, addressing issues like declining Ph.D. enrolments, equitable resource distribution, and inclusivity will be crucial for sustained development.
