Shodh Prabha: A Multidisciplinary Journal

Caste Dynamics and Educational Mobility among Marginalised Communities in Northern India

This study aims to look into the caste structure and educational mobility of the marginalised groups in northern India. Examines the impact of caste, gender, family background, rural–urban setting, economic status and institutional access on educational opportunities and social mobility. While there has been an increase in enrollments of the socially disadvantaged groups in general schools, their retention, quality of education received, stream in which they are being educated, access to higher education and employment opportunities remain negatively affected by caste based inequalities as a result of constitutional safeguards, reservation policies and scholarships and expansion of education. Educational mobility is not only about school or college involvement but also about dignity, equality and changing education into social and economic movement. It asserts that first generation learners, rural students and marginalised girls are exposed to various challenges including poverty, social discrimination, lack of academic support, digital disparity and lack of social capital. It highlights the importance of inclusive policies that go beyond enrolment to learning outcomes, institutional support and equitable mobility.