Maharashtra, a leading state in India for higher education, presents a dynamic picture of growth, challenges, and evolving trends. Among the most intriguing findings from the Annual Status of Higher Education (ASHE) 2024, compiled by the CII Higher Education Committee and Deloitte, is the doubling of PhD enrolments over the last five years, reflecting a significant shift towards research-oriented learning. At the same time, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for males has steadily increased, showcasing improved access to higher education.
Drawing on data from the All-India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 and Census 2011, the report highlights Maharashtra’s upward trajectory in overall enrolment and GER. However, challenges persist, such as inconsistent GER trends for females and the underutilisation of hostel facilities, underscoring areas that require targeted policy interventions. This analysis delves into these trends, unravelling the nuances of Maharashtra’s higher education sector and its evolving landscape.
Key Indicators of Higher Education in Maharashtra
Maharashtra stands out as a key player in Indian higher education with a literacy rate of 82.3%, surpassing the national average. The state’s 18-23 age group constitutes 9.4% of India’s corresponding population. Its overall GER stands at 35.3, with males leading at 37.1 and females at 33.3. This gender disparity reflects broader societal trends, despite the state’s relatively high literacy rate among women (75.9%).
The state’s enrolment data shows a concentration in undergraduate programmes, which account for a majority of the 4.2 million students enrolled across various levels. However, female enrolment trails male participation in every category, signalling the need for targeted interventions to bridge this gap.
Diverse and Expanding Education Infrastructure: Maharashtra boasts an impressive network of 74 universities, including 23 state public universities, 21 private universities, and 7 institutes of national importance. Its colleges, numbering 4,692, are primarily affiliated (93.5%), reflecting a decentralised structure. The state’s engineering and technology colleges lead with 398 institutions, followed by 2756 general colleges, while teacher education institutions total 177.
The ASHE 2024 report also highlights the state’s management diversity in colleges, with 63.5% privately unaided institutions, indicating a dominant role of the private sector. However, these colleges cater to only 42% of enrolments, suggesting relatively low student intake per college compared to government and private aided institutions.
Student Enrolment Trends: Undergraduate education forms the core of higher education, with enrolment rising from 2,726,229 in 2017-18 to 2,993,830 in 2021-22. Postgraduate programmes also show growth, with enrolment reaching 458,216 in 2021-22, demonstrating increasing interest in advanced studies.
Out-turn at Various Levels: The output of graduates at all levels aligns with enrolment trends. Maharashtra’s focus on research is evident with the doubling of PhD enrolment, rising from 9,206 in 2017-18 to 17,832 in 2021-22. Conversely, MPhil programmes have nearly disappeared, with enrolment plummeting to 190 in 2021-22, highlighting its diminishing relevance.
Hostel Utilisation and Standalone Institutions: Maharashtra’s hostel facilities reveal low utilisation rates. Boys’ hostels accommodate only 158,054 out of 342,891 available seats, while girls’ hostels fare slightly better, housing 177,621 of 388,848 available seats. This under-utilisation highlights accessibility issues, possibly linked to affordability, safety, or location constraints.
Standalone institutions, which include teacher training, polytechnics, and nursing colleges, constitute an integral part of the education landscape. The 33.44% teacher training institutions dominate this category, followed by polytechnics at 32.95% and nursing institutions at 30.22%, showcasing a diverse vocational education structure.
Colleges and Universities by Specialisation: The state shows significant specialisation in technical education, with 398 engineering and technology colleges, followed by 177 teacher training and 164 pharmacy colleges. Specialised universities, such as those focusing on agriculture, law, and health sciences, reflect the state’s efforts to cater to diverse academic interests.
Gender and Social Disparities: The data highlights significant representation disparities. While women comprise 44.5% of total enrolments, their share in teaching and non-teaching staff stands at 42.9% and 34.8%, respectively. Moreover, students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) represent only 4.5% of enrolments, far below their 9.4% population share, raising concerns about inclusivity in higher education.
Time-Series Analysis: A Steady Growth with Gaps
• PhD Enrolment Surge: Enrolment for PhD programmes has nearly doubled from 9,206 in 2017-18 to 17,832 in 2021-22, reflecting a growing emphasis on advanced research.
• MPhil Enrolment Decline: MPhil enrolment has dropped drastically from 2,421 in 2017-18 to 190 in 2021-22, likely due to the preference for direct PhD pathways.
• Undergraduate Growth: Undergraduate enrolment has shown consistent growth year-on-year, rising from 2.7 million in 2017-18 to 3 million in 2021-22, confirming its centrality in the higher education ecosystem. However, postgraduate enrolments show fluctuations, emphasising a need to evaluate higher education pathways for advanced studies.
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Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Over Five Years (2017-2022)
Maharashtra’s GER has steadily risen from 31.1% in 2017-18 to 35.3% in 2021-22, driven by consistent improvements in male participation. However, female GER has shown fluctuations, indicating socio-economic or cultural barriers.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) Over Five Years (2017-2022)
The Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) for Maharashtra has stabilised at 23:1, consistent with the national average, over the last five years. However, the state lags in terms of teachers per college (24.5 compared to India’s 29.3), indicating a need for more faculty recruitment to ensure quality education.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Maharashtra’s higher education sector has demonstrated remarkable progress, particularly in advanced studies such as PhD enrolment and overall GER growth. However, challenges remain, including fluctuating female GER, underutilisation of hostel facilities, and the dominance of private unaided colleges with lower enrolment rates. Addressing these gaps will be key to ensuring equitable and sustainable growth in the coming years.
