India's higher education sector has achieved a significant milestone, with STEM enrolment crossing the 1 crore mark for the first time, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 released by the Union Ministry of Education. The latest report highlights a steady increase in students opting for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, alongside a notable rise in women's participation.

The survey reveals that STEM enrolment has grown from 91.5 lakh in 2014-15 to 1,01,88,988 students in 2023-24, accounting for 22.5% of total higher education enrolment in the country. The trend reflects India's growing emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and skill-based education to meet future workforce demands.

Women Continue to Strengthen Their Presence in STEM

One of the most encouraging findings of the AISHE 2023-24 report is the increasing representation of women in STEM education. Female participation has increased from 38.4% in 2014-15 to 44% in 2023-24, indicating steady progress toward gender inclusivity in higher education.

Out of the total 1.01 crore STEM students, 57,06,160 are male while 44,82,828 are female students.

The report also shows that women have outnumbered men in the Science stream, demonstrating growing interest among female students in scientific research and academic careers.

Science Courses See Higher Female Enrolment

The Science stream recorded a total enrolment of 55,55,120 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, MPhil, and PhD programmes.

Key highlights include:

• 54.6% of Science students are women.
• Undergraduate Science enrolment stands at 45,68,399, with 53.4% female students.
• Postgraduate Science programmes have 8,62,931 students, where women account for an impressive 61.4%.
• At the PhD level, Science enrolment is 80,284, with 53.4% female researchers.

The data reflects a positive trend in women's participation not only in undergraduate education but also in advanced scientific research.

Engineering and Technology Remain Popular

Engineering and Technology programmes continue to attract a large number of students, with 46,33,868 enrolments across UG, PG, Integrated, MPhil, and PhD levels.

Among engineering disciplines, Computer Engineering remains the most preferred choice, followed by:

• Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Information Technology

The popularity of computer-related courses aligns with India's rapidly expanding digital economy, growing IT sector, and demand for technology professionals.

AISHE 2023-24 Covers Over 59,000 Higher Education Institutions

The AISHE 2023-24 survey collected data from higher education institutions across India through a web-based Data Capture Format (DCF).

According to the report:

• 1,289 universities
• 48,246 colleges
• 15,221 standalone institutions

were registered under the survey. Responses were received from 1,278 universities, 46,468 colleges, and 11,787 standalone institutions, making AISHE one of the country's most comprehensive databases on higher education.

Institutions provide information on student enrolment, faculty, infrastructure, examination results, and academic performance through the AISHE portal.

Growing STEM Education Supports India's Innovation Goals

The continued rise in STEM enrolment in India and the increasing participation of women reflect the country's efforts to strengthen its knowledge economy. With government initiatives promoting innovation, research, digital learning, and industry-oriented education, the latest AISHE findings indicate that India's higher education ecosystem is steadily moving toward greater inclusivity and scientific excellence.