A groundbreaking report from Deloitte India and Knight Frank India forecasts that India could retain $113 billion in foreign exchange outflows by 2040 through expanded foreign university footprints. By fostering vertical campuses spanning 19 million square feet, the nation can address the surging demand for premium higher education at home.
This comes at a pivotal time, as NEP 2020 propels India toward global knowledge leadership. Enrollment stands at 53 million, eyeing a jump to 72 million with a 50% GER goal by 2035. Yet, quality shortages loom large—take JEE 2025, where 54,000 toppers found only 18,000 IIT seats waiting.
Eighteen international universities are now approved or active, accelerating the shift. Shishir Baijal of Knight Frank warns that growth must prioritize elite programs in STEM, AI, data analytics, and management to truly compete globally.
Strategic hubs include corporate powerhouses Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Tier-2 contenders like Chandigarh, Kochi, and Jaipur shine with strong governance and facilities. The report stresses building elite faculty networks and regulatory-compliant administration that safeguards academic independence.
Beyond financial retention, this strategy promises to bridge aspiration-reality gaps, supercharge innovation, and cement India’s role as an education destination. The blueprint is clear: Invest now for a prosperous, self-reliant academic future.