Abstract

In this paper attempts have been made to explore the current status of higher education in India and to examine the status of gender parity in the higher education in India. The analysis is based on the secondary data collected from the report of All India survey of Higher Education. The study is descriptive in its nature and discusses various issues related to the higher education system in India. Simple tools of analysis like tables, charts and graphs have been utilized to present the information in a convenient way. The paper reveals that there is interstate disparities in terms of college density, average enrolment, gross enrolment ratio, gender parity index etc. the issues related to inclusion of women in the higher education have not been taken care properly. The paper concludes with the remarks that the importance of education in the life of a person and in nation building is beyond any dispute. The education does not only make a man perfect by enriching his thoughts and process of thinking, it contributes to the growth of a nation also. Focus should be on women’s education because the knowledge and empowerment of one woman can bring about a change in a family and even the society as a whole. Hence the participation or inclusion of women in education is of grave importance from the point of view of society and nation as well.

Keywords:  College Density, Gender disparity. Gross enrolment ratio, Higher Education, Interstate, India.