Disparity in Access to Higher Education among Socio-Religious Groups in Urban India: An Analysis of Household Survey Data

Abstract

Education plays an important role in improving the social and economic status of individuals and families as a whole. Muslims are the country's largest minority, accounting for nearly 14 per cent of the total population. The study's main objective is to explore the trends and patterns of higher educational attainment among Muslims in comparison to other socio-religious groups, as well as to highlight disparities in access to higher education. The study examines the pattern of higher educational status among various socio-religious groups using data from the National Sample Survey (NSS) from 1999-2000, 2004-2005, 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. The study aims to highlight the level of higher education attainment among people of economically active age. Dearth of empirical evidence is one of major constraint in the analysis of educational status of Muslims. the present study is a modest diagnostic attempt to assess the state of higher education among Muslims.Caste and religious affiliation have a significant impact on access to higher education.Muslims have a lower presence in higher education than Hindus-Gen and Hindu OBC.Muslims perform poorly in terms of their share of higher education in the majority of the states studied.