India Projected to Require up to 1.5 Billion Sq. Ft. of Private Education Infrastructure by FY2035
New Delhi, October 30, 2026: India is estimated to require approximately 1.0 to 1.5 billion sq. ft. of additional private education infrastructure by FY2035, driven by rising enrolments, increasing private-sector participation, and growing demand for quality education, according to a press release issued by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. detailing its latest report, “Beyond Core: A 2035 View of India’s Alternate Sectors – Part I.”
The projected requirement includes approximately 0.9 billion sq. ft. of incremental infrastructure demand from private unaided K–12 schools and around 0.4 billion sq. ft. from private unaided higher education institutions. The growth opportunity is supported by India’s large youth population, expanding educational aspirations, and the need for capacity expansion across both academic segments.
The report highlights growing institutional investor interest in scalable premium K–12 platforms, particularly across affluent urban markets. Investors are increasingly evaluating structured operating company–property company (OpCo–PropCo) models that separate real estate ownership from academic operations. These arrangements offer developers and property owners lease or revenue-sharing income opportunities while supporting infrastructure expansion.
Geographically, established metropolitan markets continue to anchor organized private schooling and higher education, while select tier-II cities are attracting investor interest as institutions expand into regional markets. Additionally, the entry and expansion of international universities, supported by an evolving regulatory framework, are expected to generate further opportunities for academic infrastructure within established commercial and institutional ecosystems.
Commenting on the sector’s outlook, Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, said, “India’s growing requirement for education infrastructure presents opportunities for real estate developers and institutional investors. As private education providers expand their presence across markets, scalable infrastructure and operating models can support long-term growth. Partnerships between developers and established education operators could play an important role in meeting this demand.”
Rami Kaushal, Managing Director, Consulting and Valuation Services, India, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, added, “Education real estate requires a selective, market-led investment approach, given the differing demand dynamics and operating requirements across K–12 and higher education. Established education hubs and emerging cities with strong student populations offer opportunities for expansion, but project viability will depend on location, infrastructure suitability and partnerships with credible education operators.”
