In India, the gross enrolment ratio has increased from 13.1 per cent in 2007–2008 to 15 per cent in 2011–2012 which moves the country from elite to a mass higher education system. This article seeks to examine the enrolment of scheduled caste (SC) students across various states in the country and the expenditure by each state and its effect on SC enrolment. The secondary data is the main source for analysis and data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to explain the expenditure and enrolment pattern. The data pertain to public expenditure and SC enrolment for the period 2004–2010. The study has revealed that out of 25 states, the smaller state Sikkim is performing relatively better than the larger states which suggests the need for state-specific strategies in addressing the issues of expansion of higher education.