Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai
Since May 2014, the Modi government has spearheaded a transformative era in India, driving progress across economic, social, and educational domains. Initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and Swachh Bharat have elevated India’s global standing, building innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. At the heart of this transformation lies a revolution in higher education, where bold reforms, substantial investments, and the visionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have redefined academic excellence. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, the government has positioned India as a global leader in knowledge creation, empowering institutions to nurture future-ready scholars and innovators. This article highlights the Modi government’s achievements in higher education over the past 11 years, with a focus on the implementation of NEP 2020, and presents key statistical milestones that underscore India’s rise as a global academic powerhouse.
Institutional Expansion and Infrastructure Development
The Modi government’s commitment to expanding higher education access is evident in the remarkable growth of premier institutions. Since 2014, the government has established 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and numerous Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and National Institutes of Design (NIDs). This translates to an average of one new IIT and IIM annually, a significant step toward democratizing access to world-class education. Furthermore, the government has facilitated the creation of a new university every week and two colleges daily, significantly increasing enrollment across diverse regions.
The Northeast, historically underserved, has been a priority, with 22 new universities established to address regional disparities. Ladakh now hosts its first Central University, alongside specialized institutions for forensic science and rail transport, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach. By 2025, 71 Indian universities are listed in The World University Rankings, up from 63, with three breaking into the top-200 of the QS World University Rankings. This growth underscores India’s rising global academic stature and commitment to quality education.
To support this expansion, the Higher Education Finance Agency (HEFA), established in 2017, has approved Rs 30,000 crore in loans for infrastructure development, including Rs 2,066 crore for six engineering colleges. The Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education (RISE) program, launched in 2018, has channeled Rs 1 lakh crore to modernize facilities, with a 19% budget increase in 2017 enabling investments in advanced research labs, digital classrooms, and sustainable campuses. These investments have transformed institutions into hubs of innovation, aligning with NEP 2020’s emphasis on technology-driven education.
The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme, introduced in 2016, has been pivotal in fostering global competitiveness. By providing 20 select institutions with Rs 1,000 crore for public ones, the scheme has enabled cutting-edge research and international collaborations. These institutions have set benchmarks for academic excellence, inspiring others to adopt similar strategies, such as establishing research centers focused on national priorities like sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
Inclusivity and Access to Education
Inclusivity has been a cornerstone of the Modi government’s higher education reforms. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls increased by 18% from 2015 to 2020, driven by initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, which have empowered female students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and targeted outreach have reduced gender disparities, ensuring equitable access to quality education. For instance, institutions have introduced flexible admission policies and financial aid, enabling students from rural and marginalized communities to enroll in premier programs.
Medical education has seen substantial growth, with MBBS seats increasing by 53% and postgraduate seats by 80% since 2014. This expansion has addressed the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved regions, strengthening India’s healthcare system. New medical colleges and specialized programs in allied health sciences have further aligned with NEP 2020’s focus on interdisciplinary education, preparing students for global health challenges.
Sustainability, a key government priority, has been integrated into higher education through initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Universities have adopted eco-friendly practices, including solar-powered campuses, waste management systems, and green curricula. These efforts have fostered environmental consciousness among students and faculty, aligning with global sustainability goals and NEP 2020’s emphasis on holistic education.
Research and Innovation: A National Priority
The Modi government’s focus on research has positioned India as a global leader in academic output. Research publications have grown from 87,000 in 2014 to over 150,000 by 2024 (Scopus data), reflecting a 10% annual growth rate. Patent applications from universities have surged by 50%, supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and its Rs 50,000 crore funding. The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) has doubled international collaborations, with 1,000 joint projects fostering knowledge exchange with leading global institutions.
The Atal Innovation Mission has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship, with 1,200 university-incubated start-ups by 2025, driving innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy. These start-ups have created thousands of jobs and contributed to India’s knowledge economy. For example, university-led innovations in precision agriculture have improved crop yields in rural areas, aligning with the government’s vision of sustainable development.
NEP 2020 has further amplified research efforts by promoting interdisciplinary studies and industry-academia partnerships.
Institutions have established research clusters focusing on emerging fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. These clusters have produced high-impact research, with a 30% increase in citations since 2019, reflecting India’s growing influence in global academia.
NEP 2020: A Paradigm Shift in Higher Education
The National Education Policy 2020 has been a cornerstone of the Modi government’s higher education reforms, introducing a holistic, flexible, and research-oriented framework. By emphasizing multidisciplinary education, NEP 2020 has encouraged institutions to offer integrated programs, such as combined degrees in science and humanities, preparing students for complex global challenges. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) has enabled flexible learning pathways, allowing students to customize their educational journeys and pursue diverse interests.
NEP 2020’s focus on regional languages has enhanced accessibility, particularly for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Institutions have introduced bilingual course materials and digital learning platforms, ensuring inclusive education.
During disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, these platforms ensured uninterrupted learning, aligning with NEP’s push for technology integration. Additionally, the policy’s emphasis on vocational education has led to new courses in data analytics, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, with thousands of students gaining skills for emerging industries.
Research under NEP 2020 has been prioritized through interdisciplinary research centers and increased funding. For instance, institutions have secured significant grants from NRF to address regional and national challenges, such as climate-resilient agriculture and water management. Faculty and students have filed numerous patents, contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem. NEP 2020’s focus on civic engagement has also inspired universities to integrate community-based projects into curricula, fostering socially responsible graduates.
Statistical Milestones
Institutional Growth: 23 IITs, 20 IIMs, 22 Northeast universities, one university weekly, two colleges daily by 2025.
Enrollment: 18% increase in female GER (2015-2020).
Global Rankings: 71 universities in The World University Rankings (2025), three in top-200 QS.
Funding: Rs 30,000 crore in HEFA loans, Rs 1 lakh crore via RISE by 2022.
Medical Education: 53% increase in MBBS seats, 80% in postgraduate seats.
Research Output: 150,000 papers annually by 2024, 50% rise in patents
The Modi government’s 11-year tenure has revolutionized Indian higher education through strategic institutional expansion, innovative funding, inclusivity, sustainability, and a robust focus on research. NEP 2020 has provided a visionary framework, enabling institutions to transform teaching, research, and civic engagement. With 71 universities in global rankings, 150,000 annual research papers, and 1,200 university-incubated start-ups by 2025, India has emerged as a global academic leader. These reforms have empowered students to drive innovation and address global challenges, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.
(The author is Vice Chancellor of BRA Bihar University)
