Parliament Question: Dropout Rates of SC/ST/OBC/EWS Students in HEIs

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2402 ANSWERED ON 03/08/2026 Dropout Rates of SC/ST/OBC/EWS Students in HEIs †2402. Shri Dharmendra Yadav: Shri Aditya Yadav: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) the number of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students who voluntarily withdrew from or dropped out of the Central Higher Educational Institutions like IITs, IIMs and Central Universities during the last five years, institution-wise and category-wise; (b) the major reasons identified in this regard along with the special measures taken by the Government to reduce these dropout rates; (c) the details of the unpublicized findings of Internal Committees assigned with the task of evaluating the socio-economic and institutional factors, such as campus alienation or financial stress driving these specific attrition rates; and (d) the concrete, measurable mandates imposed on these premier institutions to reform their academic counseling frameworks and financial-aid models to ensure equitable retention? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR) (a) to (d): In the Higher Education sector, students have multiple options and they choose and migrate from one course or programme to another. Students also move out after being offered placement/employment while pursuing higher studies. However, to increase Access in Higher Education, the Government has taken various steps like Financial Assistance and Scholarships like Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scheme, fee waiver/reduction of disadvantaged groups, promote study loans like PM-Vidyalakshmi scheme, establishment of more institutes, student support system like Establishment of Counselling Cells, strengthening of Grievance Redressal Mechanism, providing Remedial Coaching, initiatives under online and digital learning (ODL) like SWAYAM, National Digital Library (NDL) and e-PG Pathshala. Further, in light of NEP 2020, a slew of initiatives for academic reforms have been undertaken like Multiple Entry and Exit Options, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) etc. To address the issue of equity and inclusion in the education, Government has taken multipronged approach and initiatives. UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 have been notified, which is applicable to all the HEIs under its purview. It provides for HEIs to take measures to safeguard the interests of the studentswithout any prejudice to their caste, creed, religion, language, ethnicity, gender and disability. It inter alia, stipulates setting up of Counselling Centres with professionally trained counsellors to provide services to students, research scholars and faculty including non-teaching staff. In order to proactively address any issues of SC / ST students, Institutes have set up mechanisms such as SC / ST students’ cells, Equal Opportunity Cell, Student Grievance Cell, Student Grievance Committee, Student Social Club, Liaison officers, Liaison Committee etc. Further, University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued instructions from time to time for promoting equity and fraternity amongst students. UGC also issued Guidelines on 13.04.2023 for promoting physical fitness and sports activities for students; creating safeguards against academic pressure, peer pressure, behavioral issues, stress, career concerns, depression and other issues on the mental health of students; to teach positive thinking & emotions in the student community; and to promote a positive and supportive network for students. Further, UGC had also notified UGC Regulations on curbing the menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009 and amended it in 2016, and issued circulars for strict compliance of the regulations. To ensure a safe campus environment, UGC has launched an extensive anti-ragging outreach initiative across all of its official social media channels, including X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and YouTube. These campaigns feature short videos, banners, and other creatives disseminated in 21 languages to ensure wide accessibility and engagement. A nationwide toll free 24x7 anti ragging helpline 1800-180-5522 in 12 languages is in operation to offer timely and confidential assistance to students experiencing distress related to ragging, harassment, or emotional vulnerability. ***