In a recent statement, Ankit Mehra, Founder and CEO of GyanDhan, shared his thoughts on the rapidly evolving landscape of education in India, highlighting the increasing competition from offshore campuses. Mehra pointed out that these campuses will directly compete with India’s top private universities, including Ashoka University, OP Jindal Global University, and Krea University. According to him, students seeking globally benchmarked education without bearing the full financial burden of studying abroad will find offshore campuses an appealing option.
“Offshore campuses will not only compete on curriculum but will also raise the bar on outcomes, faculty depth, global mobility options, and employer signalling,” Mehra said. He emphasised that this growing competition is ultimately beneficial for students as it expands their high-quality choices and forces institutions to sharpen their differentiation strategies.
However, Mehra also underscored a critical factor in the long-term success of offshore campuses: whether their degrees can serve as meaningful pathway or twinning programs. “If studying in India offers clear advantages, such as easier transfer options, global internships, or post-study immigration outcomes, demand for these campuses will remain strong,” he noted. “But if these advantages do not materialise, there could be significant questions around pricing power once the initial novelty fades.”
India stands out as a prime destination for international education, Mehra argued, due to its unique combination of scale, English-language instruction, and a proven demand for globally recognised degrees. He added, “Few emerging markets can match India’s large, outcomes-driven student base, alongside its improving regulatory clarity for foreign universities.”
When discussing the potential expansion of offshore campuses to Tier 2 cities, Mehra pointed out the ongoing challenges. “While Tier 2 cities are often discussed as potential locations, the availability of qualified faculty remains a significant constraint. Attracting and retaining international-quality teaching talent is far easier in metropolitan areas, which offer strong academic ecosystems, lifestyle infrastructure, and professional opportunities.”
He noted that, at least initially, metros will dominate the expansion of offshore campuses. He also highlighted the potential of GIFT City, a special economic zone in Gujarat, which already hosts foreign universities and provides a unique regulatory environment. Over time, however, Mehra predicted that some Tier 2 cities may emerge as viable locations, once the gaps in talent and infrastructure are narrowed.
In conclusion, Mehra’s comments offer a comprehensive view of the future of education in India, where the rise of offshore campuses could reshape the academic landscape, providing students with more options and driving institutions to adapt to a new competitive reality.
