The Government of India has expanded scholarships, fee waivers, education loans and digital learning initiatives to make higher education more affordable and inclusive, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
During FY 2025-26, around 1.09 crore scholarships were provided to students from SC, ST, OBC, EBC and DNT communities, along with other eligible beneficiaries.
Under schemes like PM-USP and PM Vidyalaxmi, students from economically weaker sections are receiving financial assistance, including education loans, interest subsidies and fee concessions. Till July 2026, over 1.12 lakh PM Vidyalaxmi loans worth ₹15,634.78 crore were sanctioned.
The government is also strengthening higher education infrastructure through hostel facilities and funding support. The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed one girls’ hostel in every district to improve access, especially in STEM education.
Digital learning platforms like SWAYAM, SWAYAM Plus and SATHEE are expanding access to quality courses and competitive exam preparation, while the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative provides access to thousands of academic journals.
These initiatives have helped increase India’s higher education Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 30% in 2023-24, with student enrolment rising from 3.42 crore to 4.50 crore during the same period.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
