Higher education in India is an important parameter for India’s socioeconomic development and also for keeping the Indian democratic system in place. For a large population of India, higher education plays a major role in meeting the requirement of a competent workforce, which is demanded by Indian industries and in government, public, and private sectors. India has an ever-increasing demand for higher education and skilled personnel in a large number of disciplines. This entry highlights the historical perspective of higher education in India followed by the status of higher education in contemporary Indian society.