Emerging India owes its newfound growth to tertiary sector in general and tertiary education in particular. India, known as the ancient seat of learning has grown into a knowledge economy. In the present era of knowledge driven economy the role of higher education and women empowerment becomes instrumental in the overall socio economic development of any region or country. Changes in the form and functions of education- individually and institutionally need to be studied also in context of inclusive growth taking into account two key variables via finance ad growth.

           Disparities in terms of regions, resources and outcomes are still visible despite internationalisation of higher education and formalisation of quality. The situation is not conducive for enhancing employability of graduates and productivity of labour. We therefore, call for managed expansion of higher education and women empowerment careful integration with manpower planning. This paper discusses opportunities, changes and challenges related to financing, equity of conditions at access into and during the course of studies, and career choice and advancement.

KEYWORDS: Higher Education, Quality, Women Empowerment