• “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities”
  • Released by: NITI Aayog
  • Focus: Strengthening State Public Universities (SPUs) under NEP 2020
  • Goal: Support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

State Public Universities (SPUs) – Key Statistics

  • Total SPUs (Jan 2025): 495
  • States with Most SPUs:
    • Karnataka (43), followed by West Bengal & Uttar Pradesh (38 each)
  • Growth (Last 14 years):
    • SPUs increased by 50%
    • Student enrollment grew by 38% (reaching 3.24 crore students)

Key Findings

  • Education Expenditure (% of GDP):
    • Highest: Jammu & Kashmir
    • Lowest: Delhi, Telangana
  • Overall Higher Education Spending: 0.62% of GDP (needs increase)
  • Leading State in Higher Education Funding: Maharashtra
  • Gender Trends:
    • Kerala has higher female enrolment than males
    • Smaller states show better gender balance