CHALLENGES IN THE INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIVIDEND

India\'s higher education system stands as one of the largest globally, enrolling approximately 33.3 million students across a vast network of institutions. Despite this extensive infrastructure, the system grapples with significant challenges that impede the development of a high-quality human resource base. Key issues include limited accessibility, variable quality, affordability concerns, and a mismatch between educational outcomes and employability. This paper delves into these challenges, offering a comparative analysis with higher education systems worldwide. It explores policy interventions and strategic reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of India\'s higher education framework, thereby fostering a more robust and competitive workforce.