Keywords
Human capital formation
Caste inequality
inherited inequality
India
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
This study examines the extent to which educational attainment in India is associated with predetermined circumstances such as caste, religion, rural residence and household economic background. A sample of 1,32,740 individuals aged 18-25 years has been taken from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The paper estimates a series of weighted Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models to examine the independent and cumulative influence of the circumstance variables on educational attainment. The findings reveal substantial circumstance-driven educational inequality in contemporary India. SC and ST individuals record significantly lower years of schooling relative to the General category, while Muslim individuals and rural residents also experience persistent educational disadvantages. Overall, the study suggests that educational attainment in India remains deeply embedded within broader structures of inherited inequality. The findings highlight the need for policies that simultaneously address social disadvantage, spatial deprivation, and economic vulnerability to promote more equitable human capital formation and inclusive development.
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