India Needs 1.5 Billion Square Feet of Private Education Infrastructure by FY35: Report
A report reveals India will require 1.5 billion square feet of private education infrastructure by FY35, driven by rising demand for quality education.
New Delhi, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : India will need approximately 1.5 billion square feet of additional private education infrastructure by the fiscal year 2035, according to a recent report. This demand is expected to create new opportunities for real estate developers and institutional investors across the country.
The report, released by CBRE South Asia, highlights that the growing youth population, increasing enrollments in schools and colleges, greater private sector participation, and a rising demand for quality education are driving this need.
Of this projected demand, around 900 million square feet will come from private K-12 schools, while private higher education institutions are expected to account for approximately 400 million square feet.
The report also notes that institutional investors are showing interest in premium K-12 platforms, particularly in affluent urban markets, where significant expansion is anticipated.
Investors are considering a “structured operating company-property company” model that separates real estate ownership from educational operations. This arrangement could provide developers and property owners with revenue-sharing opportunities, while also aiding in the expansion of educational infrastructure.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of CBRE for India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, stated, “As private education providers expand their presence in various markets, scalable infrastructure and operating models can support long-term growth. Partnerships between developers and established education operators will play a crucial role in meeting this demand.”
The geographical scope of educational infrastructure in India is also expanding. While organized private schools and higher education institutions are already established in major metropolitan areas, tier-II cities are now attracting investor interest as educational institutions seek to explore regional market opportunities.
Rami Kaushal, Managing Director of Consulting and Valuation Services at CBRE for India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized that established education centers and large student populations in emerging cities present significant expansion opportunities. However, the success of any project will depend on its location, the suitability of infrastructure, and partnerships with reliable education operators.
