This report covers the development of higher education in India using as a framework both relevant political and educational history and the educational needs of a country progressing at a rapid rate economically and technically. Part I discusses India as a nation: its geographical setting, history, and the present conditions. Part II deals with the educational system in terms of national policies and goals, organization, and the educational ladder. Part III reviews the background and history of higher education. Part IV deals with the system of higher education, university organization and regulations, special aspects of university education (such as the language problem, financing, education of women and of the disadvantaged, and student life), undergraduate arts and science education at Madras and Bombay Universities, professional and technical education, and postgraduate and research education. (AF)