As defined in the AICTE act 1987, Technical Education means programs, of Education, Research, and training in Engineering and Technology, Architecture, Town Planning, Management, Pharmacy, and Applied Arts and Crafts, and such other programs or areas as the Central Government may in consultation with the Council, by notification in the official gazette declare.

Technical Education in India has a history stretching back to the ancient urban centres of learning at Taxila and Nalanda. Western education became ingrained into Indian society with the establishment of the British Raj. Education in India falls under the control of both the Union Government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. The various articles of the Indian constitution provide for education as a fundamental right. Most universities in India are Union or State Government controlled.

India has made a huge progress in terms of increasing primary education attendance rate and expanding literacy to approximately two thirds of the population. India's improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to the economic rise of India. Much of the progress in education has been credited to various private institutions. The private education market in India is estimated to be worth $40 billion in 2008 and will increase in the coming years.