For Every 1 Foreign Student Coming to India, 19 Indian Students Pursue Higher Education Abroad — A Shift From ‘Brain Drain’ to ‘Brain Circulation’
Published on: December 01, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: New Delhi, India
India’s growing global stature in education and talent mobility has received striking validation in a new report released by NITI Aayog. According to the findings in “India’s Global Education Footprint 2020–2025”, for every one international student who chooses India as a study destination, 19 Indian students are securing placements in top universities across the world — a clear indicator of India’s rising global talent influence.
The report highlights that India received an average of 47,000 foreign students per year, while nearly 900,000 Indian students moved abroad annually during the same period.
Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany remain top choices for Indian students, with enrolments touching record highs in 2024–25.
NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Paul described the trend as a sign of India’s growing confidence and global relevance.
“Indian students are not fleeing; they are leading. Our education system is now producing world-class talent equipped with global skills and ambition,” he said.
Where Are Indian Students Going?
- USA: 3.3 lakh+
- Canada: 2.1 lakh+
- UK: 1.4 lakh+
- Australia: 1.1 lakh+
- Germany, UAE, Ireland and Singapore are also witnessing rapid growth in Indian enrolments.
Foreign Students in India — A Different Picture
Most international students in India come from Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Africa and Central Asia, mainly for MBBS, Ayurveda and Engineering programmes.
Despite progress, top Indian institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, JNU and DU still have less than 5% foreign enrolment.
Not Brain Drain — Brain Circulation
The report counters long-held fears of talent loss, noting:
- 42% increase in Indian students returning after foreign degrees (2020–2025)
- 68% of Master’s/PhD students from abroad now prefer returning to India
- Annual inward remittances from global Indian workforce: $8–10 billion
Government’s Next Target
Under the Study in India initiative, the government aims to attract 200,000 foreign students by 2030, with 75,000+ scholarships already awarded.
A New Global Identity
Experts say India’s youth are now seen as highly skilled, adaptable and innovation-driven — making them the first choice for global universities and industries.
As the report concludes:
“Indian students are not leaving out of fear — they are stepping out with confidence, and the world is welcoming them.”
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