Marginalized by Caste and Marginalized in Education in India

• Rising costs in higher education are a significant issue affecting Dalit students.

• Atul Kumar, a Scheduled Caste student, lost his seat at IIT Dhanbad due to inability to pay the required seat booking fee.

• The Supreme Court of India intervened to grant him admission despite numerous similar cases not receiving media attention.

• The rise in tuition fees under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” has led to financial constraints and systemic inequalities for Dalit students.

• The Vidyalakshmi scheme, which offers interest-free scholarships, is insufficient to fully address these financial challenges.

• The hike in fees in seven Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) has made it increasingly difficult for students from marginalised communities to afford higher education or pursue studies through loans.

• Over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs and IIMs have ended their lives due to the financial strain of rising fees and the anxiety of securing employment.