Is India’s Higher Education System Ready for Global Competition?

The Growth and Gaps in Indian Higher Education
India’s education sector has seen massive growth, with a 28.4% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and improved gender parity. Yet, the focus on a few elite institutes risks leaving others behind. While 163 Indian universities made it to the QS Asia Rankings 2026, the average rank remains 452—showing a stark divide between top-tier and mid-level institutions.


The Rise of Underdog Colleges
This year’s survey introduces “Most Improved Colleges”—a game-changer for students. From Arts to Engineering, these institutions (often in smaller cities) have climbed ranks through better faculty, infrastructure, and placements. For exam aspirants, this means more options beyond metro-centric colleges.


Key Trends for Students
Placements Matter: The survey ranks colleges by salary packages and employability—a priority for design/entrance exam aspirants.
Affordable Excellence: Tier 2 colleges like NIFT Bhopal or NID Ahmedabad now rival metros in quality but with lower fees.
Departmental Strength: A college’s overall rank may not reflect its specific program quality (e.g., a top-ranked engineering college might have a weaker design department).


Why This Matters for Entrance Exams
NID/NIFT/FDDI aspirants can use rankings to shortlist colleges with strong design programs.
Placement data helps gauge career prospects post-exam.
Regional balance means more options near home, reducing relocation stress.


Sample Q&A for Competitive Exams
Q1: What is India’s current Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education?
A1: 28.4% (as per 2025 data).
Q2: Which survey ranks India’s “Most Improved Colleges”?
A2: The *India Today-MDRA Best Colleges Survey 2025*.
Q3: Name one parameter used to rank colleges in the survey.
A3: Career Progression and Placements (others: Infrastructure, Academic Excellence).
Q4: Why are Tier 2 colleges gaining prominence?
A4: They offer comparable education at lower fees and improved placements.
Q5: How many Indian universities feature in QS Asia Rankings 2026?
A5: 163, the highest in Asia.


Why This Matters for Exams Like NID, NIFT, FDDI
Informed Choices: Rankings help pick colleges aligned with career goals (e.g., design vs. engineering).
Placement Insights: High-ranking colleges often have industry tie-ups—critical for creative fields.
Cost-Effective Options: Tier 2 colleges reduce financial burden without compromising quality.
Exam Strategy: Knowing top colleges helps set realistic targets during entrance prep.