INDIA 10 STATES REPORT
The State of Maharashtra: India’s Economic & Educational Powerhouse
Maharashtra has played a pioneering role in developing India’s modern education system and remains one of the top destinations for education in the country.
As the third largest state by area and second most populous, Maharashtra also boasts the highest Gross State Domestic Product, making it India’s largest economy.
State Highlights
Large Student Population
» Over 40 million students enrolled in higher education institutions
Boom in E-commerce
» Companies such as Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal have a presence here
Autonomous HEIs
» HighestnumberinIndia with 11 HEIs
» Determinetheirown curriculum,feestructure& admissionprocesses
Several Top-Rated Educational Institutions
» (IIT) Bombay
» (TISS)
» (NITIE)
Investing Heavily in Renewable Energy
» With a target of generating 17.4 GW of renewable energy by 2025
Rapidly Adopting Industry 4.0 Technologies
» Artificialintelligence,Machine learning,TheInternetofThings(IoT)
Rapidly Growing Economy
» With a GDP of over $400 billion
Growing Middle Class
» With Increasing financial ability to pay for premium education
Popular Tourist Destination
» Historical sites
» Beaches
» Hill stations
Several Initiatives to Encourage Internationalisation
» Development of Infrastructure
» Simplification of regulations
Thriving IT Sector
» Companies such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have a presence here
The University of Mumbai stands out as the world’s largest university by the number of graduates from its 762 affiliated colleges.
This statistic is pivotal for the higher education sector as it highlights the potential for extensive alumni networks and vast human capital resources, enhancing collaborative opportunities and innovation in academia and industry. Maharashtra, ranking third in India with 22.5 million enrolled school students in 2022, underscores the state’s significant role in nurturing a large pool of future college students and professionals, critical for sustaining the higher education ecosystem.
The state’s leading position in attracting the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), amounting to USD $53.9 billion from October 2019 to March 2023, and a 29% rise in FDI in 2023 alone has directly impacted its educational institutions. Such economic influx supports university infrastructures, research capabilities, and technological advancements, making Maharashtra’s
Maharashtra’scitieslikeMumbaiand Punearenotjusteducationalbutalso researchhubswithextensiveglobal collaborationsinvariousfields.This connectivityfostersamulticultural academicenvironmentconduciveto cutting-edgeresearchandinnovation, keyelementsforacademicprestige andattraction oftop-tierfacultyandstudents.In citieslikeNagpur,Aurangabad,and Nashik,thecombinationofstrategic locationadvantages,international collaborations,andindustrialclusters supportsathrivingeducational ecosystem.Thesecitiesfocuson educationalandentrepreneurial growth and are crucialforregional economicdevelopmentandcreating localisedopportunitiesforstudents andgraduates.
Addressable Market
01 02 03 04
Education Index
» Literacyrate:82.30%
» PerformanceGradingIndex(PGI)Score: (2021 - 22): 583.2/1000
» GrossEnrolmentRatio(GER)(18-20yrs): 35.9>NationalAverage
Economic Growth Rate:
» ExportPreparednessIndex(EPI): (2021-22)-Rank2
» GDPgrowthrate:6.8%(2022-23)
» GDPpercapita:USD2905.22(2022-23)
Industrial & Service Sector:
» 2nd Most industrialised state
» 20% Industrial output
» 46% GSDP share
05
Labour Market Links:
» » Incrementalprojecteddemandfor16million skilledworkforceinthestateinnext5years. High demandsectorsinclude:construction, production&manufacturing;textile; automobile;hospitality;healthcare; banking,financialservices,insurance;retail, pharmaceuticals,chemicals,Information technology,andagriculturalprocessing
Overseas Education Growth
» 10.7% year-on-year growth in the number of students studying overseas in the last three years
MAHARASHTRA’S COMPELLING OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY...
Maharashtra’s compelling blend of financial capacity, diverse student talent, and ambitious aspirations, positions it as a prime destination for foreign higher education institutions. With its robust infrastructure, cultural richness, and forward-thinking policies, Maharashtra offers unparalleled opportunities for academic growth and global engagement.”
MAHARASHTRA’S
Dr. Yash Gursahani, Principal, BSGM School, Aurangabad
COMPELLING OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY...
Maharashtra, known for its cultural richness and high living standards, is a prominent higher education destination for both in and out-of-state students.
With a robust annual growth rate of 20% in the higher education sector and a surge in private school enrolments, Maharashtra is poised as a leader in offering premium educational opportunities. Some of the features that make Maharashtra a preferred destination for higher education are:
Conducive Environment to Transfer
Universities
» Medicine: USD
$42,105-$140,751
» Engineering: USD $18,045-$30,075
» Media: USD $1,000-$35,609
» Literal Arts: USD $360-$12,571
Mumbai:
As India’s financial and entertainment capital, Mumbai not only houses major financial institutions like the Bombay Stock Exchange, but also fosters educational development through initiatives like the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation, which was started with an impressive USD $60 million investment. Given that Mumbai contributes significantly to India’s GDP and industrial output, the city’s educational institutions are uniquely positioned to integrate with high-value industries, offering students unmatched career opportunities in finance, media, and trade.
Navi Mumbai:
Designed as a smart city, Navi Mumbai is burgeoning particularly in the IT sector, with the largest state-of-the-art facilities like the Millennium Business Park. Educational institutions in Navi Mumbai have the advantage of proximity to corporate parks and a proposed airport, which are set to multiply professional opportunities in technology, making it a compelling choice for students interested in IT and related fields.
Thane:
Acting as both a residential suburb and a satellite city, Thane’s growth is supported by its industrial activities and educational facilities. This blend provides a practical learning environment for students, who can benefit from direct exposure to industrial applications of their academic subjects.
Pune:
Known internationally as the ‘Oxford of the East’, Pune is a beacon of academic excellence in Maharashtra. It is home to a plethora of institutions that boast international collaborations, especially in disciplines like science, technology, and engineering. The city’s high per capita income and its rank as one of India’s largest metropolitan economies underline its capacity to support substantial educational infrastructure and student lifestyles.
Lavasa:
Situated near Pune, Lavasa is developing into a notable global educational hub. The city’s planning includes campuses for international universities, leveraging its tranquil environment to attract students and educators seeking a blend of scenic beauty and academic rigour.
Nagpur:
Declared a smart city, Nagpur excels in transforming its geographical centrality into a logistical advantage. This connectivity, combined with a strong startup ecosystem, presents fertile ground for educational programmes focussed on entrepreneurship and logistics.
Aurangabad:
This city is a notable destination for students from various Indian states and international locations. Its education sector is buoyed by a diverse student body and the presence of numerous higher education institutions, making it a vibrant multicultural learning environment.
Nashik:
As part of the Golden Triangle Project, Nashik is fast developing into an educational hub with over 100 private universities and colleges. This initiative promises to boost the local economy and enhance educational facilities, creating a nurturing environment for academic pursuits in various disciplines.
Overview & Heat Map of Maharashtra
Nashik Population: 2,294,000
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University; Sandip University, Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management.
Sandip University with St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications Russia, Alba Graduate Business School, Greece, University of Putra Malaysia, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Nanded
Population: 3,930,000
Oil and oil refineries, agro-based industries, chemical and minerals pharmacy colleges, engineering colleges.
Govt: Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University.
Pune
Population: 7,184,000
3.9mn
24mn
Savitri Bai Phule University of Pune, Fergusson College, Nowrosjee Wadia College; Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Private: Symbiosis International University, Bhartia Vidya Peeth, MIT World Peace University, Flame University, National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
IT & Software, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, automobile and components, education and research, engineering and manufacturing, entertainment and media.
FLAME University with Yale University, Wellesley Colleges, Indiana University, Boston University.
Aurangabad
Population: 4,870,000
Prominent manufacturing hub for automobile, electronic goods, paper, engineering goods, etc with 3000 plus enterprises.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Maharashtra National Law University; MGM Institute of Health Sciences, PES College of Engineering
2.2mn
4.8mn
5.1mn
7.1mn
Mumbai
Population: 24,433,357
Lavasa
Satellite city of Pune
Tourism & hospitality, healthcare, education, IT & ITES
Christ University
Christ University with Binghamton University, New York, U.S.A., Eltech Middle East FZE
Ahmedagar
Population: 5,140,000
Sugar factories, distilleries, spinning mills, paper mills, and dairy cooperatives, automobile components, auto and engineering cluster; Ideal Villages: Ralegaon Siddhi water conservation under the leadership of Anna Hazare. Hiware Bazar community-driven development.
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE)
Nagpur
Population: 5,172,443
1.3mn
Wardha
Population: 1,370,000
Drip irrigation, pipe manufacturing, fruit processing, mattress manufacturing, bio fertilizer production, Green and Solar energy, pulse milling, steel industries.
MGIMS with Maastricht University, Netherlands
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Bapuraoji Deshmukh Degree College of Architecture; DMIHER - Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education. Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI), Dr. R. G. Bhoyar Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Engineering, Technology & Research (DMIETR)
Industry
Population
Universities
School
Education
Collaboration
Prominent manufacturing hub for textiles, automobile accessories, electronic goods, etc.
AIIMS-Nagpur, IIM-Nagpur, IIIT-Nagpur, NLU-Nagpur, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT Nagpur), National Enviromental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Animal Husbandry & Fisheries University, and Nagpur University; Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Chandrapur
Population: 372,642
Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT), Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, drip irrigation, and agriculture: drip irrigation and related agro-industries, Cement industry, mining, and thermal power, food processing, engineering and metal fabrication, handloom and textiles.
BIT with MIT, USA
Engineering, Management, Agricultural Sciences
Government Medical College, Government Engineering College, Ballarpur Institute of Technology (BIT), Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering, Research and Technology (RCERT), Sau. Leena Kishor Mamidwar Institute of Management Studies and Research, Anand Niketan College of Agriculture.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV)
Overview & Heat Map of Mumbai
Collaboration
School Education Population Universities Industry
Mumbai
Industry: financial markets, entertainment industry, IT, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, heavy Industries, chemicals, electronics, automobiles, engineering, food processing, and plastics
University of Mumbai, IIT Bombay, SNDT Women’s University. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, St Xaviers College, The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Institute of Chemical Technology.
IIT Bombay with UChicago, SNDT University with the United StatesIndia Educational Foundation (USIEF), British Council, India European Union, UNESCO, Rotary, Jonkoping University-Sweden, TISS with Monash University in Australia and Queen Mary University in London NMIMS with Florida International University, Bristol University, Florida Atlantic University, University at Albany, Virginia Tech University, Purdue University, University of South Australia
Mumbai has many international schools following the IB curriculum. Some of these are Dhirubhai Ambani International School, American School of Bombay, Ecole Mondiale World School, Aditya Birla World Academy, etc.
Thane
BITS School of Management & BITS School of Design, Kalyan
BITS SoM with London Business School, BARC with CERN. Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, Orchids - The International School
Navi Mumbai
T.S. Chanakya (Indian Maritime University Navi Mumbai Campus), NIFT. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Amity University, Dr DY Patil University, ITM Skills University, Apeejay Institute of Hospitality, BP Marine Academy, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Jio Institute, Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre.
IB: DY Patil International School, Goldcrest International School
Dr DY Patil University with Johns Hopkins University, Hong Kong University, Thammasat University, Thailand, University of Edinburgh, Napier University, Scotland, Cornell Medical school, New York; Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering with Universiyu of Cologne, University of Reading, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University.
Ability to Transfer: Academic Quality in
Maharashtra
Maharashtra stands out as a leader in education quality and accessibility within India, exceeding the national averages.
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 highlights that Maharashtra’s college density per 100,000 people is 36, ranking it sixth nationally, surpassing the All India average of 30. With approximately 4,692 colleges, Maharashtra holds the distinction of having the secondhighest number of colleges in the country, along with the fourth-largest number of universities. The state boasts a substantial student enrolment
ofapproximately4.6 million,the second-highestinIndia. Maharashtra leadsinthenumberofHigherEducation Institutions(HEIs)grantedUGCCategory Iautonomy.Thisautonomyempowers universitiestoindependentlysettheir curricula,feestructures,andadmission processes,significantlyenhancingthe innovationandinternationalisation ofhighereducationthrough collaborationswithForeignHigher EducationalInstitutions(FHEIs).
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
Presence of International Curriculum Schools
Maharashtra is home to 64 schools affiliated with the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and 106 schools following international boards such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
These schools, predominantly prestigious private institutions, adopt an IB curriculum and emphasise sports, extracurricular activities, and community service. The annual fees for IB schools in Maharashtra range from USD $7,218 to USD $14,500, indicating a commitment to providing world-class education.
Maharashtra’s educational excellence is further evidenced by its students achieving the second-highest average International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score in India at 6.7.
Additionally, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for 18-20 year olds in Maharashtra is 35.9, significantly higher than the national average of 28. This demonstrates the state’s effective strategies in increasing access to higher education, making it a pivotal hub for educational development.
IELTS
Government Commitment to Education & Entrepreneurship in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra, boasting one of the largest education sectors globally, is at the forefront of integrating international academia.
Regulations from the Indian government facilitate foreign universities establishing campuses in India, highlighting a significant policy shift towards global educational integration. The state’s education budget for 2023-24 is USD $8.3 billion, underscoring its commitment to educational enhancement.
Strategic Public - Private Partnerships:
In a move to foster international collaboration, the Maharashtra International Education Board (MIEB) partnered with Google in August 2019. This partnership exemplifies Maharashtra’s approach to enhancing educational infrastructure and capabilities through public-private partnerships. The state’s IT-ITES Policy 2023 further promotes advanced industries such as Industry 4.0 and AVGC, creating a conducive environment for educational growth and entrepreneurship.
Innovative Education Policies:
The Maharashtra government has introduced policies such as the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC), which allows students to transfer credits across institutions seamlessly. This flexibility enables students to move between traditional and foreign curriculumbased interdisciplinary degrees, making higher education in Maharashtra more adaptable and globally oriented.
International Collaborations and Cultural Exchange:
April 2023 saw the signing of an MoU between Maharashtra’s Department of Higher and Technical Education and the British Council, aimed at bolstering educational and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the Maharashtra-UK Conference on Higher Education facilitated discussions on mutual collaboration between 13 British and over 30 state and private universities in Maharashtra, which is critical for fostering international educational synergies. Technological Advancements in Education:
The ATLAS system, developed by the MIEB in collaboration with Google, is a pioneering geographical information system that maps detailed attributes of educational institutes across Maharashtra. This tool is invaluable for foreign universities seeking to establish a presence in the state, as it aids in directly reaching out to potential students and simplifying the promotion of their programmes.
These initiatives not only reinforce Maharashtra’s position as a hub for startups and innovation, but also make it an attractive destination for foreign educational institutions looking to expand into the Indian market.
Opportunities for International Education Providers in Maharashtra
Maharashtra offers a vibrant platform for international higher education collaboration.
It is the largest state economy in India, providing substantial
Educational Excellence: Expansion in institutions with international affiliations highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to high standards.
University Leadership: Home to prestigious universities like the University of Mumbai with large student enrolments.
Autonomous
Emerging Educational Hubs Beyond Mumbai: Cities like Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Lavasa offer new opportunities for campus setup and educational ventures.
Favourable Policies: The state features encouraging regulatory policies and active government support with a focus on publicprivate partnerships and foreign investments.
02
Increased Education Budget: Reflects a strong governmental commitment to fostering education and entrepreneurship.
02 Recommendations:
Establish Presence: International institutions should consider forming partnerships
Leverage Opportunities: Utilise the advantageous environment andemergingeducationalhubs
Conclusion: Maharashtra as a Global Education Powerhouse
and
Premier Investment Destination
Maharashtra, as India’s economic leader, boasts substantial educational strengths with the highest Gross State Domestic Product and significant Foreign Direct Investment.
It is home to the world’s largest university by graduates, the University of Mumbai, and features major cities like Mumbai and Pune as hubs for higher education and research. This positions the state as a prime locale for fostering innovation and global academic collaborations.
Maharashtra presents vast opportunities for international education providers and investors, with its advanced infrastructure, large student base, and strategic government focus on educational excellence. The state is an ideal destination for establishing educational ventures and partnerships, making it a strategic choice for those looking to expand into India’s thriving educational landscape.
