BA Remains India’s Most Preferred UG Course, Social Sciences Lead PG Enrollment: AISHE 2023-24

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) has retained its position as India’s most preferred undergraduate programme, while Social Sciences have emerged as the discipline with the highest postgraduate enrollment, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 released by the Ministry of Education.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of enrolment trends across India’s higher education sector, highlighting students’ academic preferences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Among undergraduate programmes, BA accounted for the largest share of enrolment, reflecting its continued popularity among students pursuing careers in civil services, teaching, media, law, public administration and other humanities-related fields.

At the postgraduate level, Social Sciences recorded the highest enrollment, indicating sustained interest in disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, geography, psychology and public policy. The report suggests that students continue to opt for these programmes due to their relevance in research, academia, governance, policy-making and competitive examinations.

The AISHE 2023-24 report also highlights the steady expansion of India’s higher education landscape. Total student enrolment reached a record 4.5 crore, while enrolment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes crossed one crore. The survey further noted a significant increase in female participation in higher education over the past decade, underscoring the growing inclusivity of the sector.

Conducted annually by the Ministry of Education, AISHE collects data from universities, colleges and standalone institutions across the country. The findings serve as an important resource for policymakers to assess enrolment patterns, improve access to higher education and formulate evidence-based education policies.

The latest survey indicates that while professional and technology-oriented courses continue to attract large numbers of students, traditional disciplines such as Arts and Social Sciences remain integral to India’s higher education ecosystem, accounting for a substantial share of overall enrolment..