Rajasthan has set a new record in women’s involvement in higher education, with 127 girls enrolling for every 100 boys in colleges this academic year. Despite this milestone, the state is experiencing a consecutive decrease in overall college admissions, notably in government institutions. Data from the State Higher Education Department reveals a 4.23% decline in student enrollment, with 12,55,809 students joining undergraduate and postgraduate courses this year compared to 13.11 lakh last year.
The decline in admissions follows a 1.31% decrease in the previous academic year, marking the end of nearly ten years of continuous growth in college enrollments. Out of the total admissions this year, 5,42,195 students enrolled in government colleges, while 7,13,614 opted for private institutions. Male enrollment decreased to 5,53,630, with 2,03,463 in government colleges and 3,50,167 in private colleges. Female enrollment, on the other hand, reached 7,02,179, with 3,38,732 in government colleges and 3,63,447 in private colleges.
Despite the overall decrease in college admissions, there is a consistent increase in female enrollment. The state now boasts its highest-ever female-to-male enrollment ratio, a significant improvement from 97 girls for every 100 boys in 2015-16. This positive trend is evident across various social categories, with Scheduled Tribes leading at 134 girls for every 100 boys, followed by the General category (129), Minorities (128), OBCs (126), and Scheduled Castes (122).
Abir Ahmed, a specialist in female education and employment policies, attributes these figures to sustained investments in girls’ education. Various policy interventions such as scholarships, free education, improved transportation, hostel facilities, and increased social acceptance of higher education for girls have contributed to this rise in female enrollment. However, the focus now shifts to ensuring these young women secure meaningful employment opportunities post-education.
Education experts, while acknowledging the surge in women’s enrollment, express concerns over the overall decline in admissions. Damodar Goyal, President of the Society for Private Unaided Schools in Rajasthan, highlights broader issues within the education system. He emphasizes the need for urgent attention to address challenges like teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and declining learning outcomes to reverse the downward trend in admissions.
