📄 Abstract
Higher education is an important means of improving employment opportunities, income, social mobility and personal empowerment. However, young people from historically disadvantaged communities continue to experience barriers to accessing and continuing higher education. This study examines higher education deprivation among young people aged 18–23 belonging to the Panan, Cheruman, Mannan, Kanakkan and Nayadi communities. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design and used primary data collected from 100 respondents through a structured interview schedule. It considers educational status, household income, parental education, academic background, scholarship awareness, digital access, distance to educational institutions and reasons for non-enrolment or discontinuation. Frequencies, percentages and cross-tabulation were used to analyse the collected data. The study focuses on the economic, social, educational, geographical and institutional barriers that restrict participation in higher education. It also highlights how poverty, inadequate family support, limited awareness of educational assistance and unequal access to institutions may influence the educational choices of young people. The study provides useful insights for developing targeted scholarships, academic support, career guidance and inclusive educational policies for disadvantaged communities.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Dr. Sasi C , HIGHER EDUCATION DEPRIVATION AMONG SCHEDULED CASTE YOUTH AGED 18–23: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS , Volume 14 , Issue 9, October 2026, International Journal of Indian Economic Light(JIEL) , Pages: 16 - 22 ,