Caste-Based Disparities in Educational Opportunities and Employment Access in India: A Socio-Economic Analysis
Author(s): Dr. Anil Kumar Kaloria
Publication #: 2509003
Date of Publication: 04.09.2025
Country: india
Pages: 1-5
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 5 September-2025
Abstract
This study examines how caste structures educational opportunity and employment access in India. Using nationally representative survey data and administrative sources (UDISE+, AISHE, PLFS/NSS) (i) estimate gaps in school progression, tertiary entry, and job outcomes between Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Others; (ii) decompose the gaps into endowment (background) versus structural (returns/discrimination) components; and (iii) analyze intersectional effects by gender, location, and parental education. Results indicate persistent disadvantages for SC/ST across the pipeline from foundational learning to formal employment only partially explained by socioeconomic background. Policy implications emphasize early-grade investments, better targeting within reservations, anti-discrimination enforcement, and stronger school-to-work transition support.
Keywords: caste inequality; education; employment; India; intersectionality Oaxaca–Blinder; PLFS; UDISE+
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