At the post-secondary level, students are enrolled in colleges and universities out of 36 million.

At the post-secondary level, students are enrolled in colleges and universities out of 36 million.

(a) 1.8 million
(b) 2.6 million
(c) 0.9 million
(d) 0.5 million

✅ Correct option: (b) 2.6 million

Explanation (200+ words)

Out of 36 million students enrolled in 2005–06, approximately 2.6 million were at the post-secondary level, which includes degree colleges, universities, and higher professional institutions. This represents a much smaller proportion of the total student population, reflecting the funnel effect of education, where enrollment declines as students progress to higher levels.

Post-secondary education focuses on academic specialization, professional training, and preparation for the workforce. Despite the smaller proportion, this segment is critical for producing skilled professionals, supporting economic growth, and enhancing human capital.

For PPSC, post-secondary enrollment figures are important for numerical MCQs, especially when combined with primary or secondary enrollment data to illustrate educational pyramid structure.

10 PPSC-Relevant Facts

1. Post-secondary students = 2.6 million
2. Includes colleges and universities
3. Smaller proportion of total enrollment
4. Critical for skilled workforce
5. Reflects education pyramid
6. Professional and academic focus
7. Data from NEC & NEMIS
8. Urban concentration higher
9. Gender gap persists
10. Common numerical MCQ