If you had to guess, which channel do you think drives the most student enrollments in India? You might say offline methods—college fairs, word-of-mouth, or campus visits. But here’s a surprising fact: digital channels are now at the forefront, driving a staggering 72% of student leads and 62% of total enrollments in the country. This shift signals a new era in student recruitment, where institutions must rethink their strategies to keep up.
Gone are the days when offline outreach dominated student recruitment. The numbers tell a different story—digital is now the driving force. From organic searches to paid ads and AI-driven chatbots, institutions are increasingly adopting technology to reach and engage students more effectively. The question is, what’s working best? For the first time ever, Meritto’s Enrollment Index 2025 provides a data-driven view of how students explore, apply, and enroll in educational institutions across India. The report, based on 2.3 crore student leads, unveils fascinating insights that can help institutions navigate the evolving enrollment landscape.
The Power of Digital in Student Enrollment
Institutions that have embraced digital outreach are seeing significant results. Brand-driven organic search strategies, AI-powered chatbots, and targeted paid campaigns are proving to be game-changers. With Google alone contributing 10.13% of total enrollments, it’s clear that students are making enrollment decisions online more than ever before.
Where are Students Choosing to Study?
Regional student mobility patterns highlight another interesting trend. While most students prefer staying within their zones, some regions—like the Central Zone—are attracting a significant influx of students from the North and West. These insights present opportunities for institutions to design localized engagement efforts and targeted scholarship programs.
Why Do Some Students Drop Off Midway?
While digital channels bring in a high volume of leads, many students don’t make it past the initial inquiry stage. Mid-funnel engagement remains a key challenge. Institutions investing in personalized follow-ups, AI-driven interactions, and data-backed engagement models are seeing better conversion rates and improved enrollment outcomes.
A Data-Driven Future for Education
The Enrollment Index 2025 paints a clear picture—institutions that leverage digital tools and data-driven strategies are leading the enrollment game. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods, those integrating AI, automation, and region-specific marketing are witnessing higher conversions and sustained growth.
Explore the Full Report
Want to understand these trends in detail? The Meritto Enrollment Index 2025 provides in-depth insights into student enrollment patterns and the most effective recruitment strategies. Download the full enrollment index to access the complete findings and discover how the education landscape is evolving in India.
To know what we do at Meritto & how our innovative solutions can help you to adapt to the fast-changing trends that drive enrollments across India, contact us today!
