Vol. 2, Issue 10, Part E (2016)

Abstract
This study investigates the regional disparities in access to higher education across Indian states through a quantitative analysis of the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and its association with key socio-economic indicators such as per capita income, urbanization rate, and literacy. Drawing on secondary data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2014-15, Census 2011, and Planning Commission statistics, the study employs descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and Z-score normalization to assess inter-state differences and identify structural determinants of access. The findings reveal stark disparities in GER across Indian states, ranging from 13.2% in Bihar to 42.5% in Tamil Nadu, with economic development and urbanization emerging as the most significant predictors of higher education participation. Literacy, while foundational, showed limited predictive power in multivariate analysis. States were grouped into High, Medium, and Low GER clusters, with corresponding gradients in income, infrastructure, and development indicators. These insights confirm the presence of spatially and economically rooted inequality in higher education access and highlight the limitations of uniform policy approaches. The study advocates for region-specific interventions, emphasizing the need for targeted investments in infrastructure, affordability, and outreach in low-performing states. The research bridges existing literature gaps by providing a robust empirical model and contributes to both academic discourse and policy planning for equitable higher education in India.