CHALLENGES AFFECTING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SCHEDULED CASTE FEMALE POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Education is a crucial instrument for social mobility and empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities such as Scheduled Caste female students. Despite constitutional safeguards, affirmative action policies and financial aid programs, SC female postgraduate students continue to face academic challenges that hinder their educational success. This study examines the socio-demographic factors, economic constraints and personal challenges affecting their academic performance in government women’s arts and science colleges in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. A descriptive research design was adopted and data were collected from 200 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and a standardized scale measuring student problems affecting academics. Statistical analyses, including Karl Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation, Independent Sample t-test and One-Way ANOVA, were applied using SPSS. The findings indicate that financial instability, lack of study resources, engagement in household work and physiological challenges, such as anemia and menstrual health issues, significantly impact academic performance. In addition, a weak but significant correlation was found between age and academic challenges, while family income showed a negative correlation with student problems. Arts stream students reported higher academic difficulties than their science counterparts. The study suggests targeted social work interventions, financial support mechanisms, parental awareness programs and institutional reforms to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for SC female students. These findings emphasize the need for policy enhancements and community engagement to bridge educational disparities and foster academic success.