Chandigarh emerges as India’s higher education model

Chandigarh’s higher education ecosystem has set new national benchmarks, outperforming India’s averages on every measurable parameter — from enrolment and gender balance to research capacity, infrastructure growth and reform implementation.

A comprehensive review presented by UT Education Secretary Prerna Puri to Chief Secretary H Rajesh Kumar, showcases the Union Territory as a front-runner in translating the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 into action and achieving the vision of a multidisciplinary, inclusive and technology-driven learning environment by 2035.

The city’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 64.8 per cent — more than double the national average of 28.4 — while its Gender Parity Index (GPI) of 1.33 confirms that more women than men pursue higher education here.

“Chandigarh represents what the NEP 2020 envisioned — equal opportunity, access and academic freedom in their most practical form,” said UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, commending the Education Department’s consistent progress.

With nine government and seven government-aided colleges catering to over 46,600 students, the city’s institutions have built strong reputations nationally. The Government Home Science College, Sector 10 (Rank 35) and GGDSD College, Sector 32 (Rank 70) feature prominently in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, while MCM DAV and DAV College, Sector 10, are among India’s top 200 institutions.

Chandigarh’s colleges now host 21 Panjab University-approved PhD centres, integrating research across life sciences, commerce, management and performing arts. Institutions are also advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through projects on gender equality, renewable energy, water conservation and inclusion of Divyang students.

The NEP 2020 has been fully implemented across all affiliated colleges — a distinction only a few regions can claim. The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), multiple entry-exit options, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and APAAR IDs, along with credit-linked internships and SWAYAM/MOOCs integration, are all in place. Undergraduate curricula are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring flexibility and cross-disciplinary learning.

Digital transformation has made the system seamless — from paperless admissions and e-fee deposits to a mobile-based e-Campus app, reflecting the spirit of the Digital India Mission.

Infrastructure is expanding rapidly with ?80 crore sanctioned under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and PM-USHA for hostels, laboratories, auditoriums and research facilities. Recently completed projects include hostels at PGGCG-42 and GCCBA-50, a research block at PGGC-11, and four multipurpose auditoriums. A Rs 16.7-crore hostel complex at PGGC-46 is under construction.

The education budget for 2025-26 totals Rs 307.98 crore, with 43 per cent utilisation already achieved. Salaries and grants-in-aid form the bulk of expenditure — underscoring the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the teaching base.

Looking ahead, Chandigarh plans to grant autonomous status to select colleges under UGC’s 2023 regulations and operationalise the Education City at Sarangpur on 32.86 acres as a hub of innovation, research and global collaboration.

“Our goal is to make Chandigarh not just a city of good colleges, but a true learning ecosystem — a laboratory of ideas, creativity and research that will shape the nation’s higher education narrative,” said Chief Secretary H Rajesh Kumar, appreciating the Department’s forward-looking roadmap.

Despite its progress, the UT faces challenges — 266 faculty posts remain vacant, cases on contractual staff regularisation and UGC pay-scale arrears are pending, and procedural delays affect infrastructure utilisation. “A high-level committee under the Finance Secretary is addressing these systemic and service-related issues,” Prerna said.

As Chandigarh races ahead with its reform-driven vision, it stands out as a compact yet powerful model of how consistency, digitalisation and policy clarity can deliver academic excellence well beyond national averages.

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: KATARIA

“Chandigarh’s higher education story is not just about numbers — it’s about transformation. From conventional classrooms to centres of creativity and inclusion, the city is shaping the future of Indian education,” said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator.

KEY ISSUES

266 faculty posts vacant; national deputation process underway for 73.

Contractual faculty regularisation and pay parity under litigation.

Implementation of UGC 2018 Regulations pending Finance/Personnel clearance.

CHALLENGES

Overdependence on contractual faculty affecting research continuity.

Delayed infrastructure utilisation due to procedural approvals.

Policy bottlenecks arising from litigation on service norms.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Grant of autonomous status to leading colleges.

Education City, Sarangpur, to serve as an innovation and research hub.

Strengthened academia-industry MoUs and research collaborations.

Full adoption of UGC 2018 norms for parity and transparency.

Continued focus on SDG-linked reforms — quality, gender equity and sustainability.