MUMBAI: The Indian education space is evolving, which has led to the emergence of new niche sectors like vocational training, finishing schools, child-skill enhancement and e-learning, among others.
A report released by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India — titled 'Indian Higher Education Sector: Opportunities aplenty, growth unlimited!' — stated that success in leveraging knowledge and innovation that could contribute to hi-tech manufacturing and high value-added services is only possible with a sound infrastructure of higher education. According t
projections, the sector is expected to register a CAGR of 12% from 2008 to reach a size of $31.47 billion.
The government has set an ambitious target of doubling the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education from 15% at present to 30% by 2020. According to estimates, to meet such a target huge investment will be required in terms of capital and operating expenditure which, based on past experience, the government would not be able to provide by itself, the report said. "The role of private sector in higher education has significantly increased in the last decade. However, due to various impediments the amount of FDI attracted by this sector since 2000 is dismally low at just $ 400 million. It is very important for foreign investment and experience to flow in this sector in order to transform our higher education institutions into the world's top league," it added.
The report highlights the attractiveness of the higher education sector and the opportunities it provides for Indian private and foreign investment even within the existing framework.
India has the third largest higher education system in the world in terms of enrolments, after China and the US.
Source : Times of India
