New Delhi is poised for a massive educational infrastructure boom. By 2035, the country is expected to integrate nearly 30,000 acres of new campus land and approximately 2.7 billion square feet of academic facilities. This expansion, driven by surging student demand, positions India as one of the world’s largest institutional real estate markets over the next decade.
A recent report highlights that achieving the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 target of 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) will require around 25 million additional seats. The construction of academic campuses alone demands an investment of nearly $100 billion, excluding land acquisition and student housing.
Demographic momentum, rising enrollments, the globalization of education, and regulatory reforms are fueling this growth. India’s higher education enrollment has surged from 27 million in 2010-11 to 45 million in 2022-23. Universities have grown from 760 in 2015 to 1,338 by 2025, with total institutions rising from 51,534 to 70,018.
Experts note that the central budget’s provision for five university townships signals government recognition of infrastructure gaps. Post-FHEI regulations, top global universities can now establish direct campuses in India without affiliations. Beyond three already operational foreign campuses, 13 more institutions from the UK, US, and Italy have announced plans.
States are stepping up too. Uttar Pradesh offers stamp duty exemptions and capital subsidies. Gujarat’s GIFT City features a dedicated international campus framework. Maharashtra’s proposed ‘Edu-City’ near Navi Mumbai International Airport has secured commitments from five foreign institutions.
This influx underscores international confidence in India’s education sector. As campuses multiply, the nation edges closer to becoming a global education hub, blending local aspirations with world-class standards.