Education plays a crucial role in individual development and national progress. School dropout has frequently been associated with an increased risk of juvenile delinquency, leading to widespread concern regarding adolescent behavioural issues. The present study aimed to compare juvenile delinquency proneness among school dropouts and college-going students in Bhilai City. The objective was to examine whether a significant difference exists between the two groups. The null hypothesis stated that there would be no significant difference in juvenile delinquency proneness between school dropouts and college-going students. The sample comprised 80 participants, including 40 school dropouts engaged in various menial occupations and 40 college-going students. Data were collected using the Delinquency Proneness Scale (DPS) developed by Chopra and Kaur. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the groups. Contrary to common assumptions that lower educational attainment is associated with higher delinquency, findings indicated that college-going students demonstrated higher delinquency proneness compared to school dropouts. The results highlight the need for deeper sociological and psychological inquiry into youth behaviour across educational settings. Keywords: juvenile delinquency, school dropout, college students, delinquency proneness, adolescent behaviour
Dr. Deepti Santosh (Sun,) studied this question.