India is estimated to require approximately 1.0–1.5 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 CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd.’s latest report, “Beyond Core: A 2035 View of India’s Alternate Sectors – Part I.”

The estimated requirement comprises 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 opportunity is supported by India’s large youth cohort, growing educational aspirations and the need for capacity expansion across both segments.

The report highlights institutional investor interest in scalable premium K–12 platforms, particularly in affluent urban markets. Investors are also evaluating structured operating company–property company (OpCo–PropCo) models, which separate real estate ownership from academic operations. Such arrangements can provide developers and property owners with lease or revenue-sharing income opportunities, while supporting the expansion of education infrastructure.

“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,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE. 

India’s education infrastructure landscape is also diversifying geographically. Established metropolitan markets continue to anchor organized private schooling and higher education, while select tier-II cities are attracting investor interest as institutions evaluate expansion into regional markets. In higher education, the entry and planned expansion of international universities, supported by an evolving regulatory framework, could create further opportunities for academic infrastructure within established commercial and institutional ecosystems.

“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. Aligning these factors will be important for developing scalable education real estate portfolios,” said Rami Kaushal, Managing Director, Consulting and Valuation Services, India, Middle East and Africa, CBRE.