NEP GER 2035 target value – UGC NET Question

NEP 2020 clearly states that India should aim for a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by 2035. This target reflects a major planned expansion of access beyond the current participation levels. It is seen as necessary to utilise the demographic dividend and support a knowledge-based economy. Therefore, 50% is the only option that correctly represents the official policy target.

Option A:
A GER of 25% is closer to older participation levels and does not represent the ambitious expansion envisioned by NEP 2020. Choosing this value would underestimate the policy’s future goal. Hence, 25% cannot complete the statement correctly.

Option B:
A GER of 35% would imply some growth but still falls short of the 50% target clearly mentioned in NEP 2020. It does not capture the scale of expansion the policy aspires to. Therefore, 35% is not the correct answer.

Option C:
A GER of 50% matches the numerical target written in NEP 2020 for 2035. It signals that roughly half of the relevant age cohort should be in higher education. This value alone is consistent with the policy text, which is why it is the correct choice.

Option D:
A GER of 75% would represent an even more ambitious scenario than what NEP 2020 proposes. While desirable in the very long term, it is not the official 2035 benchmark. Therefore, 75% does not correctly complete the statement.