BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, has emphasized the need to double the number of universities in India to 2,500 in order to ensure that at least 50% of the country’s students have access to higher education. Speaking at the Indian School of Business (ISB) on Friday, Subrahmanyam pointed out that despite a significant expansion in educational infrastructure over the past decade, India is still far from meeting its higher education goals.
Currently, India has around 1,200 universities catering to over 40 million students, but this represents just 29% of the age-eligible population. To address this gap and accommodate the growing demand for higher education, Subrahmanyam stressed that India must increase its educational institutions significantly. “We need to ensure that 50% of our students are enrolled in higher education, which necessitates doubling our universities,” he said.
Subrahmanyam also underscored the importance of innovative approaches to education delivery to meet this ambitious target, hinting at the role of technology and digital solutions in overcoming infrastructure challenges.
In addition to education, Subrahmanyam highlighted India’s technological strides, particularly in the digital sector. He referred to India as “the biggest laboratory in the digital world,” noting the country’s leadership in digital public infrastructure. India now processes nearly 50% of global financial transactions, thanks to the widespread adoption of digital identities and financial inclusion initiatives. Subrahmanyam also credited this digital transformation as a catalyst for financial technology innovation in the country.
Reflecting on India’s progress, Subrahmanyam noted several key developments over the past decade, including advancements in infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and technological innovation. Looking ahead, he projected that by 2047, India would emerge as a $30 trillion economy, surpassing major global economies such as the United States and China.
In his address, Subrahmanyam reiterated NITI Aayog’s commitment to shaping India’s future through strategic planning and research in areas such as innovation and climate-friendly technologies. He concluded with a vision for India’s leadership in global economic and technological spheres by mid-century.
