The combined undergraduate and postgraduate enrolment during the academic session fell by 4.23 percent to 12.55 lakh students. This marks the second consecutive year of negative growth in higher education enrolment in Rajasthan. The increase in admissions witnessed during the pandemic period has now reversed, with student numbers continuing to shrink.
The decline has been more significant among male students, whose enrolment dropped by 5.60 percent. The trend highlights a changing preference among young people, with the rapidly expanding gig sector emerging as an alternative pathway that is attracting students towards immediate employment opportunities.
The Udaipur division has emerged as an example of the high enrolment-low institutional share model. Despite having a high number of enrolled students, the division accounts for only 5.3 percent of the total colleges in the state, with 207 colleges under its share.
Another significant shift is visible in gender representation in higher education. Rajasthan now has 129 female students enrolled in higher education for every 100 male students.
The continued decline in college enrolments, changing career preferences among youth, and the rising influence of gig-based employment opportunities indicate a major transformation in Rajasthan’s higher education landscape. The latest figures from the Higher Education Department underline the need to closely examine the evolving relationship between academic institutions, employment choices, and student participation in higher education.
About The Author
Comment List