The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual initiative conducted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to collect and analyze comprehensive data on higher education institutions across the country. Launched in 2010-11, AISHE aims to provide reliable statistics on key aspects such as student enrollment, faculty details, infrastructure, research activities, and financial expenditure. This data-driven approach helps in assessing growth trends, tracking the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and formulating evidence-based policies to enhance the higher education system. Additionally, AISHE supports monitoring initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, evaluates gender and social inclusivity in education, and aids in benchmarking India’s higher education system against global standards.
AISHE plays a crucial role in institutional planning and governance by identifying gaps in access to higher education and promoting digital learning and research activities. However, the survey faces challenges such as data accuracy, participation barriers, and the need for real-time data collection. Ensuring the active involvement of all institutions and leveraging technology-driven mechanisms can enhance the efficiency of AISHE. Despite these challenges, the survey remains an indispensable tool for shaping India’s higher education landscape, ensuring that it remains inclusive, accessible, and aligned with global advancements.