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 12,300 colleges |
| Key Insight | Liberal arts (within “arts”) has a significant share, surpassing STEM fields |
How has Government Policy Boosted Liberal Arts Education in India?
The National Education Policy 2020 underlines the need for multidisciplinary education. It mandates that technical universities incorporate humanities and social sciences, while humanities-focused institutions integrate science and management disciplines. This policy shift is expected to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, which stood at 27.1 percent in 2019–20, up from 26.3 percent in 2018–19. The long-term objective is to raise GER to 50 percent by 2035. This trend reflects growing acceptance of holistic, liberal arts–style learning as vital for the future.
Are Business Schools Embracing Liberal Arts Graduates?
In the academic session 2025–27, premier Indian business schools are seeing a remarkable shift. At one IIM, over 55 percent of MBA entrants come from non-engineering backgrounds such as commerce, humanities, economics, and arts. Another IIM has just under 53 percent, while another maintains a roughly 50 percent balance between engineers and non-engineers. This demonstrates that the skills cultivated through liberal arts, critical thinking, communication, contextual understanding are increasingly valued in management and leadership.
| Institution | % of MBA Entrants from Non-Engineering Backgrounds | Backgrounds Include |
| IIM A (example) | Over 55% | Commerce, Humanities, Arts, Economics |
| IIM B (example) | Just under 53% | Non-engineering streams |
| IIM C (example) | Around 50% | Balanced mix of engineers and liberal arts students |
| Key Skills Valued | Critical thinking, communication, contextual analysis | |
| Implication | Liberal arts graduates are increasingly management-ready |
Demand of Liberal Arts Institutions in India?
Early liberal education pioneers saw strong application-to-seat ratios. In a landmark second year, one liberal arts programme received 5,500 applications for just 430 seats—more than 12 applications per seat. These applicants came from 27 different states, with females comprising 55 percent of the cohort. Such demand underscores the growing trust Gen Z places in broad-based education over narrowly vocational training.
How do Liberal Arts Graduates Fare in Employability?
Recent data shows that employability for Bachelor of Arts graduates was 47.1 percent in 2024, down from around 49 percent in 2023. While this suggests challenges, liberal arts aim to impart transferable skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary fluency that may not be reflected immediately in traditional employability metrics. Over time, these assets position students well for careers in journalism, media, research, and policy.
Why are Students and Academia Embracing Liberal Arts in India Today?
Liberal arts promote holistic development. They blend humanities, sciences, and the arts, cultivating analytical, communication, and adaptive skills. When colleges gain autonomy, many are revising curricula to include interdisciplinary offerings such as design thinking, data science, and creative subjects—bridging vocational and liberal education. This evolution resonates deeply with students seeking careers in storytelling, media analysis, and socially conscious fields.
What are the Structural Challenges?
A key paradox persists: while liberal arts education has the potential to cultivate critical citizenship and creative capacities, graduates often experience uneven outcomes shaped by institutional quality and geography. Employability and educational standards are significantly higher in urban and elite institutions compared to underfunded rural colleges. Moreover, access continues to favour students from stronger socio-economic backgrounds, restricting the democratic promise of liberal arts. Addressing these disparities requires both policy interventions and institutional reforms to ensure equity, quality, and inclusivity in liberal arts education.
Conclusion
The liberal arts represent a compelling future for Indian education, especially for Gen Z students interested in arts, storytelling, critical thought, and societal impact. These programmes command strong applicant interest, align with national policy priorities, and equip students with adaptive, interdisciplinary skills. Yet to fully unlock this potential, efforts must address inequities in quality and accessibility across institutions.
FAQs
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Is liberal arts a good option if I’m not sure what career I want yet?
Yes! Liberal arts gives you the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines, such as sociology, media, philosophy, and economics, before committing to a specific career path. It’s ideal if you value curiosity and want a broader academic journey.
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Can I get a job after doing a liberal arts degree?
Absolutely, but success depends on how you apply your skills. Many liberal arts graduates work in journalism, development, public relations, education, and startups. Internships, projects, and networking play a key role in employability.
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What kind of student thrives in a liberal arts programme in India?
If you’re curious, open-minded, and enjoy connecting ideas across subjects, you’ll thrive as a liberal arts student. Liberal arts students often enjoy discussions, creative thinking, and asking big societal questions.
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Will I still learn job-ready skills in a liberal arts college in India?
Yes. Many programmes now include data analytics, digital media, coding basics, and communication strategy alongside traditional subjects.
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Can I go abroad for my master’s after liberal arts in India?
Definitely. The liberal arts degree is well-regarded internationally, especially from reputed Indian institutions with global tie-ups. Many alumni go on to study in the U.S., or Europe.
