The indicator “Total State Public Universities, by State and Union Territory” is an important measure of the scale, distribution, and accessibility of higher education across India. State Public Universities form the backbone of the country’s higher education system, enrolling a large share of students and supporting extensive networks of affiliated colleges. This indicator highlights the distribution of higher education capacity both geographically and institutionally. A higher number of State Public Universities in a State or UT often reflects greater opportunities for local students to access affordable higher education without migrating long distances. Conversely, lower numbers may signal capacity constraints, regional imbalances, or unmet demand for university-level education.

From an academic and policy perspective, the indicator helps assess a state’s ability to provide multidisciplinary education, research, and skill development aligned with regional needs. State Public Universities play a critical role in offering programmes in arts, sciences, commerce, and professional fields, while also promoting research on state-specific social, economic, and environmental issues. Tracking this indicator supports evidence-based planning by enabling comparisons across States and UTs, identifying gaps in higher education infrastructure, and informing decisions on new university establishment, funding allocation, and institutional strengthening. Overall, the indicator provides valuable insight into equity, capacity, and the long-term development of India’s higher education ecosystem.