CASTE IN THE CLASSROOM: SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION, ACADEMIC CHALLENGES, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG DALIT AND ADIVASI STUDENTS AT ANDHRA UNIVERSITY, VISAKHAPATNAM

Abstract

Higher education is commonly viewed as an important pathway for equality and social mobility in India. However, students from Dalit and Adivasi communities continue to experience several forms of social, academic, and psychological challenges within universities. This study examines caste-related experiences among Dalit and Adivasi students at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. The research focuses on social interaction, academic performance, classroom participation, emotional well-being, and institutional support. The study adopted a descriptive sociological approach using questionnaires and interviews among 120 students from different academic departments. The findings show that indirect discrimination, social isolation, financial insecurity, language barriers, and emotional stress continue to affect students from marginalised communities. Many students reported hesitation in classroom participation due to fear of judgement and feelings of inferiority. The study also found that institutional support systems such as scholarships and hostel facilities play an important role in educational continuity, but counselling and mentorship services remain limited. The article argues that educational equality requires both policy support and inclusive social environments. The study concludes that universities should strengthen counselling services, awareness programmes, and inclusive teaching practices to ensure dignity, confidence, and equal participation for all students