International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Socio-Economic Determinants of Higher Educational Participation and Academic Performance among Beneficiaries of Assam’s Fee Waiver Scheme

Abstract Higher education plays an important role in promoting socio-economic mobility, human capital formation, and inclusive development. However, financial hardship, transportation burden, and socio-economic inequality continue to affect educational participation among students from economically weaker households in Assam. In this context, the present study examines the socio-economic determinants influencing educational participation and academic performance among beneficiaries of Assam’s Fee Waiver Scheme across the districts of Darrang, Udalguri, and Kamrup Metro. The study is based on primary data collected from 400 beneficiary students through a structured questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression frameworks were employed to examine the relationship between socio-economic background, accessibility-related conditions, attendance behaviour, and academic performance. Variables such as household income, BPL status, first-generation learner status, distance from college, attendance percentage, and CGPA were incorporated into the analysis. The findings reveal that a substantial proportion of respondents belonged to economically weaker and first-generation learner households. Distance from college demonstrated a strong negative relationship with attendance, while attendance showed a strong positive relationship with academic performance. Regression results further indicate that transportation burden, household income, and socio-economic background significantly influence educational participation and academic outcomes. The study concludes that Assam’s Fee Waiver Scheme has improved educational accessibility and reduced financial pressure among vulnerable students, although transportation barriers and regional infrastructural inequality continue to affect educational continuity in rural areas.