The ‘State of Working India 2026’ report by Azim Premji University reveals that India has made significant progress in expanding higher education access. Youth education levels have risen sharply over four decades, especially among women. However, financial barriers continue to limit opportunities for students from lower-income families.
Azim Premji University Report 2026: Higher Education Access Improves, But Inequality Persists
According to the report, the share of students from the poorest households in tertiary education rose from 8% to 15% between 2007 and 2017. At the same time, students from wealthier families remain far more likely to pursue high-value courses like engineering and medicine. The report also flags that the quality of private ITIs has declined despite a 300% growth in their numbers since the 2010s.
Key Highlights from the Report
- Youth education levels have increased significantly over the past 40 years
- Gender and caste-based disparities in education have reduced noticeably
- India’s working-age population share will start declining after 2030
- Share of young men in education dropped from 38% (2017) to 34% (2024)
- ITI numbers grew 300%, but quality among private ITIs has fallen
- Students from richer households dominate engineering and medical courses
What This Means for Students
The report underscores the need for continued government investment in affordable education and skill development. While access has improved, quality and equity gaps remain a challenge. Young men are increasingly dropping out of education to support household incomes, which could affect India’s long-term economic potential.
Students and educators can access the full report on the Azim Premji University website. Policymakers are urged to address financial barriers and institutional quality to ensure India’s demographic dividend translates into sustainable growth.
