The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) Report 2016 to 2017. According to this report, which Indian state topped the country in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks knowledge of recent data related to higher education in India. The All India Survey on Higher Education, often abbreviated as AISHE, is an annual exercise that compiles statistics on enrolment, institutions and teachers. Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is a key indicator used to measure how many young people in the relevant age group actually enter higher education. Being aware of which state leads on this indicator is important for exams that combine static polity with dynamic educational statistics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The report in question is AISHE for the year 2016 to 2017.
• The indicator being asked about is Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
• The options are four large Indian states, not union territories.
• Only one of these is known to consistently record the highest GER in this period.

Concept / Approach:
Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is calculated as the total enrolment in higher education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the 18 to 23 years age group. States with better access, more colleges and stronger demand for higher studies tend to perform better. Over several years of AISHE data, Tamil Nadu has frequently featured at the top or near the top in GER among the larger states. Therefore, when a question ties GER leadership to AISHE 2016 to 2017, Tamil Nadu is the state to be selected.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall what AISHE stands for and that it measures many parameters of higher education. Step 2: Focus on the parameter mentioned in the question, namely Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. Step 3: Think of which Indian state is widely known for having a very high GER around 2016 to 2017. Step 4: Compare this memory with the four given options Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Step 5: Identify Tamil Nadu as the state that topped GER in this period and mark it as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
One alternative check is to recall common education related facts used repeatedly in competitive exam material. Many coaching notes and government releases highlight that Tamil Nadu has a very high proportion of youth in higher education compared to the national average. In contrast, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have lower GERs, and while Kerala performs well on literacy and school education indicators, its higher education GER does not surpass that of Tamil Nadu in AISHE 2016 to 2017. This comparative understanding confirms Tamil Nadu as the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kerala is known for high literacy and strong school education outcomes, but its higher education GER was not at the very top of the AISHE 2016 to 2017 rankings among large states. Maharashtra has a large number of institutions and students but, due to its huge population, its GER is closer to the national average rather than the highest. Rajasthan has historically lagged in higher education access compared to the best performing southern states. Therefore, none of these three states matches the specific leadership position indicated in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to assume that the state with the highest literacy must also have the highest GER in higher education and therefore to choose Kerala automatically. Another pitfall is guessing based on size or economic strength, which may lead to picking Maharashtra. Candidates sometimes also confuse different years of AISHE data. To avoid errors, aspirants should periodically revise key figures for one or two important survey years and associate Tamil Nadu with the highest GER in higher education for this particular period.

Final Answer:
According to AISHE 2016 to 2017, the state that topped in Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is Tamil Nadu.