The Union government has informed the Lok Sabha that enrolment of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students has increased in central universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) since 2014-15, according to data collected through the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE). In a written reply to an unstarred question, Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar confirmed that SC/ST cells are functional across all central universities, IITs, IIMs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). These cells are intended to foster inclusion and address the concerns of students from historically marginalised communities
SC/ST Student Enrolment Trends (2014-15 to 2022-23)
According to provisional AISHE figures shared with Parliament:
- Central Universities:
- SC enrolment increased from 71,621 to 89,182.
- ST enrolment rose from 25,964 to 32,801.
- IITs:
- SC enrolment rose from 10,392 to 18,076.
- ST enrolment increased from 4,546 to 7,408.
- IIMs:
- SC students grew from 983 to 2,537.
- ST students increased from 410 to 942.
These figures indicate a continued expansion in the participation of SC and ST students within India’s premier higher-education institutions over the past eight years.(
SC/ST Cells and Support Systems
The Minister also stated that all central universities, IITs and IIMs, along with IISc, have established SC/ST cells to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure compliance with equality norms. These cells operate as institutional mechanisms to address student concerns and uphold policy objectives related to inclusion and representation.
Mental Health Support for Students
Responding to a separate part of the parliamentary query on student mental health and suicide rates, the government noted that year-wise and state-wise student suicide data is published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in its annual Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report. To support psychological well-being, the Centre highlighted multi-pronged initiatives such as the Manodarpan programme, which includes a national toll-free helpline, counselling resources, and awareness campaigns like Sahyog and Paricharcha. These are designed to provide emotional support to students, teachers and families across the country. In the Union Budget 2026, the government also proposed establishing NIMHANS-2 in northern India and upgrading existing National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur to regional apex institutions, further strengthening mental health infrastructure
Broader Implications
The enrolment growth data reflects ongoing efforts to improve access for SC and ST students in India’s top educational institutions. At the same time, the continuation of supportive measures for student well-being highlights policy concerns around academic pressure and emotional stress faced by students. Experts argue that strengthening inclusion, monitoring dropout trends and enhancing mental health support remain central to equitable outcomes in higher education . While enrolment figures show positive trends, challenges such as retention and student welfare continue to require sustained attention from policymakers and academic administrators alike.