How far does socio-economic inequalities restraint women in attaining higher education?

Present paper is an attempt to understand the patterns of inequality in attaining higher education, and specifically how these patterns differs from different socioeconomic groups as well as across the states in India. Analysis has been done using the Indian Human Development Survey, 2005. Findings show that in different socioeconomic standing, quite significant differences were found in the attainment of higher education. Women in younger ages were more educated as compared to their counterparts. Women residing in urban areas and belonging to better-off families were having higher levels of education. States like Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are more disadvantaged in regards to education of women as these states are having poor socioeconomic background. However, in states like Kerala, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Punjab, a better picture is visible in terms of higher education. But overall, as level of education increases the proportion of women receiving it decreases, which clearly depicts the inequalities in receiving higher education. In India, very few women got the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s or master’s degree. Thus, there is an urgent need to formulate appropriate policy measures which can benefit women who are equally responsible for building the nation’s future.