Introduction Liberal arts education is rapidly emerging as a compelling choice for Indian students who aspire to go beyond narrow specialisations. With the National Education Policy 2020 emphasising holistic and interdisciplinary learning, liberal arts degrees are gaining unprecedented momentum. This approach nurtures critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving—skills that are indispensable in a complex and dynamic world. For Generation Z, the attraction lies in a well-rounded education that prepares them to navigate multiple career pathways with confidence. Liberal arts holds particular promise for students pursuing fields such as journalism, where curiosity, analytical ability, and versatility are essential. As India reimagines its higher education landscape, liberal arts is poised to shape the future of meaningful and transformative learning. What is the Current Reach of Liberal Arts in India? According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the 2019–20 academic year, 3.4 million undergraduates were enrolled in arts disciplines out of a total of 8 million—accounting for 42 percent of all students across 250 universities and 12,300 colleges. This number surpassed enrolments in both science (4.7 million, or 16.1 percent) and engineering (3.7 million, or 12.6 percent). These figures highlight that the arts—encompassing liberal arts—already command a significant share of higher education in India, countering the perception that professional courses dominate student preferences. Aspect Details Total Undergraduate Enrolment (2019–20) 8 million students Students in Arts Disciplines 3.4 million (42% of all undergraduates) Compared to Science 4.7 million (16.1%) Compared to Engineering 3.7 million (12.62%) Institutions Covered 250 universities and …










