From Inequality to Equality: A Three-Decade Journey in Higher Education of Social Groups in India

Despite India's efforts to reduce educational disparities through constitutional protections, scholarships, and reserved seats in government employment and education for disadvantaged groups, significant disparities persist, especially in higher education. Present study investigates inequality in access to higher education in India based on various socio-economic background characteristics. Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted across five rounds from 1992 to 2021, the study employs the Index of Representation in Higher Education (IRHE) and the Index of Socio-Economic Inequality in Higher Education (ISIHE) to assess inequalities. The study findings reveal that even in 2021, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) remain underrepresented in higher education with an index value less than 0.73 and 0.52 respectively, although their representation has slightly improved over time. Conversely, other castes exhibit overrepresentation. The representation is lowest for individuals belonging to the poorest wealth quintile, which over time increased from 0.09% to 0.16%. The richest individuals had the highest representation in higher education and showed an excess representation of 2.75% and in 2019-21, it showed a representation of 2.34%. The ISIHE values over the years have declined which also indicates that inequality has declined over the years. The study also highlights that economic status is the primary determinant of educational inequality, overshadowing caste disparities. This comprehensive analysis underscores the need for targeted policy interventions to address the nuanced and persistent issue of educational inequality in India, emphasizing the need towards adapting strategies to meet the specific needs of underrepresented groups.