Impact of Privatization on Access to Higher Education Among Social and Income Groups in India

This paper contributes to the issues related to the impact of privatization on access to higher education among social groups. STs and SCs are the only underrepresented groups in higher education. The expansion of higher education during 2007 and 2014 benefited OBCs most. STs and SCs are lowest beneficiaries. Privatization also benefited OBCs most. Publicly financed institutions serve STs and SCs most which shows inclusive character of such institutions. Disparities by social group exist even at a higher level of income which indicates that income alone does not determine access to private unaided institutions. The empirical evidences suggest that affirmative actions are inevitable make private unaided institutions inclusive.