The number of Indian students travelling overseas for higher education has declined sharply over the past two years, registering a 31 per cent drop, according to official data shared by the Ministry of Education in Parliament.
The data was presented by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, citing figures compiled by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Sharp Fall In Overseas Student Mobility
According to the government data, over 9.08 lakh Indian students went abroad for studies in 2023. This figure fell to 7.7 lakh in 2024, and declined further to 6.26 lakh in 2025, indicating a steady and significant downward trend over three consecutive years.
The cumulative decline between 2023 and 2025 amounts to nearly one-third, reflecting changing dynamics in international education, both within India and globally.
Reasons Behind Studying Abroad: Government’s View
Responding to concerns over the declining numbers, Mr Majumdar said that the decision to pursue education abroad is influenced by individual choice and depends on several factors.
“Studies abroad are a matter of individual will and choice, which is contingent on a variety of factors such as affordability, access to bank loans, exposure to foreign societies, aptitude for a particular branch of study, and personal aspirations,” the Minister said.
He added that the government recognises the importance of global exposure, especially in the context of a knowledge-driven global workforce.
Indian Students Abroad Seen As National Asset
The Minister emphasised that Indian students and professionals living overseas are viewed as an asset to the country.
“A successful, prosperous, and influential expatriate community is an asset for India,” he said, adding that the government’s efforts are focused on harnessing the potential of the Indian diaspora, including the sharing of knowledge, skills, and global expertise.
Strengthening Higher Education Within India
Mr Majumdar also linked the decline in outbound student mobility to the improvement of higher education opportunities within the country, driven by reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key initiatives under NEP 2020 include:
- Upgrading academic and research infrastructure
- Strengthening accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms
- Promoting research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning
- Expanding digital and online education platforms
“These measures aim to make Indian higher education institutions globally competitive and reduce the need for students to seek quality education abroad,” the Minister said.
Foreign Universities Setting Up Campuses In India
As part of efforts to provide global-quality education within India, the government has permitted foreign universities to establish campuses in the country.
“So far, 14 foreign institutions have received approval to operate in India, while five overseas universities have been cleared to set up campuses in GIFT City, Gujarat,” Mr Majumdar informed Parliament.
These developments are expected to offer Indian students access to international curricula and degrees without the high costs associated with studying abroad.
Changing Global Education Landscape
Education experts note that the decline in Indian students going overseas may also be influenced by factors such as rising tuition fees, stricter visa norms in some countries, geopolitical uncertainties, and improved domestic alternatives.
While traditional destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia continue to attract Indian students, the overall trend suggests a gradual rebalancing of preferences, with more students choosing to pursue higher education within India.
