India's Internet facts: There were about 7 million internet users more than a decade back in year 2001 and by year 2018 the users will increase to approx 400 million. India had 190 million Internet user base in June 2014 was third in the world after China’s 620 million and the US with 275 million. India also constitutes the second largest market in the world for Facebook and LinkedIn.
In 2013, the Internet contributed USD 60 billion or 2.7 per cent of India’s GDP – larger than the contribution of healthcare (2.5 per cent) and military (2.5 per cent).

India's 'Internet' future: A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of India (IAMAI) splits the internet users across Tier 1 cities, Tier II-IV cities and rural users. Rural Internet users are expected to increase from 60 million in June 2014 to 280 million in 2018. The 2018 Internet user base of India is projected to be 54 per cent above the age of 25, 40-50 per cent rural, 30 per cent female and 70-80 per cent mobile. By 2020, the Internet is estimated to grow over 4 per cent of India’s GDP.

This report highlights a critical facet which is an opportunity marketers and for UK Institutions. The report highlights that the internet impact on the society can be classified into four types out of which two crucial ones are: better decision making and online activities are slowly replacing the face to face activities.

The digital activities would have to be focussed and targeted towards a relevant audience, which British Council’s student and influencer databases and online audiences can ensure. This would also safeguard higher RoIs for the UK institution.

It is evident that information gathered through internet/digital sources is a medium that helps a large portion of the students in their decision making process. In fact SIEM India recently conducted a survey with students to understand the role of an agent in their decision making process and for more than 50% students the answer was 'internet' and not agents as their information source.

SIEM India actively uses various internet/digital mediums to promote its events and additionally has in house expertise to provide consultation and tailor made digital packages to UK Institutions.