According to the Finance Minister, the number of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has risen from 16 to 23, reflecting a major push to widen advanced technical education. Management education has seen a similar trajectory, with Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) increasing from 13 to 21. In the technology and digital domain, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) have expanded sharply from just nine to 25, including the establishment of 16 new IIITs during this period.
The expansion has not been limited to technical and management education. Sitharaman pointed out that the number of central universities has grown from 40 to 48, reinforcing the federal government’s role in higher education. In the healthcare sector, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) network has also expanded, with operational institutes increasing from seven to 12. She added that approvals had been granted for a total of 16 AIIMS, underscoring the scale of planned investment in medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Emphasising the broader policy intent, the Finance Minister said these developments were the result of continuous government support and sustained financial investment in the education sector. She stressed that strengthening higher education institutions is critical for building skilled human capital and supporting India’s long-term economic and social development.
The growth in the number of premier institutions reflects a strategic effort to improve educational capacity, regional balance and sectoral diversity. As India positions itself for future growth, the expanding higher education network is expected to play a central role in nurturing talent, advancing research and meeting the evolving demands of the economy.
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