Recent Growth Trends of Higher Education in India

India, the second most populous country in the world after China, contains 1.21 billion people (provisional Census Report 2011) and out of which 234 million people belongs to the age group of 15 - 24 years, which is the largest target market in the world for higher education. This young and large population should be educated for the betterment of the nation. The Government has given the required thrust to the higher education sector by initiating various plans and committees. Technological advancement and worldwide competition have extended the scope of higher education. The socio - historical journey of higher education in India has evolved through different periods, viz., ancient, mediaeval, colonial, post - independence and contemporary. This paper focuses mainly on recent growth trends of higher education in India and also it examines the role of private sector in higher education.