8 trends that will shape higher education in India over the next 5 years
As India gears up for a future dominated by technology, inclusivity and global connectivity, its higher education sector is undergoing a profound transformation where major trends will shape the country’s higher education landscape by 2030. India’s higher education system is about to undergo significant change. Guided by NEP 2020 and powered by technology, autonomy, global collaboration and student well-being, the sector is recalibrating to meet 21st-century challenges.Did you know India is investing in expanding research hubs and innovation ecosystems? Many institutions, especially those designated as Institutions of Eminence (IoE), are gaining autonomy, which allows them to freely innovate and collaborate globally. Indian institutions are set to rise to the top of the global rankings courtesy this autonomy and a research-driven approach, which transforms them into knowledge creators instead of just consumers.As per an Indian Journal of Scientific Research report, India’s National Academic Depository (NAD) is a secure repository for storing and verifying academic credentials electronically, which is a strong step toward eliminating forged documents and simplifying admissions. This digital transparency will benefit students, employers and institutions to streamline admissions, credentials verification and institutional credibility.
Students collaborating on a project, embodying the inclusive progress of Indian higher education under NEP 2020.
In the next five years, following changes could elevate India to new heights as a global academic leader –
Industry-ready structural reform
In an interview with TOI Education, Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partner, shared, “India’s higher education sector is in for transformational changes. Driven by NEP 2020 and tech integration, education will become more industry-ready in the future. Flexible curricula and multidisciplinary learning are likely to lead the change, while credit-transfer policies make education more student-centric.“
Skill-based vocational programs
Banker opined, “The use of AI-powered platforms and virtual labs will intensify and so will the pace of EdTech partnerships to make aspirants ready for specific sectors. The demand for skill-based and vocational programs will rise alongside global collaborations and foreign university campuses.”
Focus on research and innovation
Another interesting trend that will be keenly watched will be the focus on research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Banker said, “The funding and incubation support are well laid out in the policy documents and the coming years will become a testament to how these policies are implemented on the ground.”
Hands-on Learning
Institutions will make dramatic shifts from rote memorisation to hands-on learning. Bringing his expertise to the same, Prof. Dr. Vilas Sapkal, Vice-Chancellor at MGM University, revealed, “Experiential learning cultivates practical skills and helps students become more employable by offering internships, apprenticeships and community service opportunities.”
Rise of data analytics
More institutions are more likely to use analytics to assess attendance, engagement and performance of students. According to Prof. Dr. Sapkal, this data-driven approach also helps in timely academic delivery and implementing interventions tailored to meet the specific requirements of students.
Global partnerships
International partnerships, such as joint and dual degree offerings, are becoming more common and an example of this is the University of Southampton inaugurating its new campus in Gurugram, Delhi-NCR in July 2025. Collaborations like these not only expand global exposure but also elevate quality standards and make international education more accessible and affordable. Prof. Dr. Sapkal said, “Higher education institutions will accelerate forging partnerships with worldwide universities to enhance student mobility, joint research and dual-degree programs. This will boost the image of India as a global education hub. These collaborations will also help expand the professional exposure of students to make them truly dynamic and all-rounders.”
Quantum computing
Institutions are rapidly embracing EdTech, including hybrid models, AI-powered personalized learning platforms, and immersive tools like AR/VR. The EdTech market is forecasted to reach $10–10.4 billion by 2025, with strong annual growth. (Image: TOI)
Quantum computing promises exponentially greater processing power than traditional computing; not just incrementally better but faster magnitude. Praneet Mungali, Trustee and Educationist at Sanskriti Group of Schools, pointed out, “This opens up newer fields of application such as cryptography, big data and drug discovery. Seizing this opportunity, India, with its large STEM talent pool, can position itself as a global hub for quantum research and applications.“
Green careers
Climate change is no longer a distant concern with recent extreme weather events, from heatwaves in Europe to floods in Asia, underscoring its urgency. Praneet Mungali said, “The shift away from fossil fuels is driving demand for renewable energy, environmental science and sustainable design. The shift away from fossil fuels will make green skills essential and courses that prepare students for careers in environmental science will gain importance.“
