Name: Gangadhara R
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue-2)
Page Number: 43-53
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17721662

ABSTRACT
The higher education sector in India has witnessed substantial growth in the past few
decades, with a notable expansion in the number of institutions and student enrolment.
However, the quality, accessibility, and regional disparities continue to pose significant
challenges. This study aims to analyze the current status of higher education in India with a
specific focus on the state of Karnataka. Utilizing secondary data from official sources such
as AISHE and UGC reports, the paper examines trends in gross enrolment ratio (GER),
faculty strength, infrastructural development, and policy reforms. The comparative analysis
highlights Karnataka’s achievements in expanding access and improving research outputs,
while also identifying persistent gaps related to rural-urban divides and equity. The findings
suggest that while Karnataka serves as a model in several respects, strategic interventions are
still required to align with national objectives set out in the National Education Policy (NEP)
2020. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen higher education
across India, informed by Karnataka's progress and challenges.
Keywords: Higher Education, India, Karnataka, National Education Policy, Gross Enrolment
Ratio, Institutional Quality, Research, Digital Learning, Equity in Education.