Inequalities in Access to Academic Spaces
Geography and You|Issue 142 - 143, 2020
Experiences of students from the socially excluded groups in higher education in India
Nidhi S Sabharwal
Inequalities in Access to Academic Spaces

India has viewed equity in higher education as a foundation for inclusive growth. As a result of strong affirmative action policies such as the reservation of seats in higher education institutions, relaxation of admission criteria and financial support, access to higher education has improved for the students from disadvantaged social backgrounds over the years. However, after entering these institutions, equal and non-discriminatory access to opportunities remains limited. The findings from a large-scale, multi-institutional, mixed-method study show that higher education institutions are largely under-prepared to respond to diverse learners.

Equity in access to higher education is widely considered in the literature to promote inclusive growth, reduce intergroup economic inequalities and foster conditions for sustainable development (UNESCO 2016). Given the earning advantages associated with higher education as compared to the less educated, gaining higher education can lead to better employment, wealth and well being outcomes. India recognised the important role that education played in economic and social well-being of the people and clearly laid down the role of higher education in national development.

With a gross enrolment ratio (GER) of 25.2 per cent and around 35.7 million students (MHRD 2017), India is in a ‘stage of massification’ with the second largest higher education system in the world. On the one hand, rising social demand, increasing school participation rates and expanding supply conditions have led to the expansion of the higher education system in India. On the other, affirmative action policies in the form of reservation of seats, relaxation of admission criteria and financial support have resulted in providing access to the marginalised groups and promoting social diversity in the student body.

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