The higher education market in India accounts for a substantial share of the total education in India. This segment is estimated to be worth INR 6.5 bn and is expected to be growing at 12% per annum. This space has seen large scale public and private participation. The government has undertaken various initiatives towards developing the market. The growth in the student population is fuelling growth in this sector.

The report begins with an introduction to the higher education industry covering the various regulatory bodies and councils that exist in this space including their functions with respect to specific courses. The overview section indicates the market size and growth of the higher education sector and institutions in this space as well as information regarding market segmentation. The intake of students across India for various courses has also been mentioned. The current scenario in India has been discussed covering the fundamental shortcomings in the market, low gross enrolment ratio, low public spending, not-for-profit mandate of the government and the approach adopted by private players, lack of co-operation between public and private sector and lack of large players in the market.

The key initiatives of the government identified include the introduction of National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER), Foreign Educational Institutions Bill of 2007, provisions for higher education under the 11th Five Year Plan and passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill. An analysis of the drivers explains growth factors such as growing middle class with the ability to afford a private education, India’s demographic advantages, poor perception towards alternative education streams, growing private players due to large demand-supply gap and expenditure on foreign education.

The competition section highlights the major private players including their business focus and expansion plans.