Dreaming Unequal: Careers and Class in Indian High Schools

According to the 2025 Student Well-being Pulse Report released by the IC3, which conducted a nationwide survey of 8,515 Indian high school students, nearly half have never received structured career counselling, and 1 in 6 Grade 12 students cite career uncertainty as their top stressor. Such findings highlight the conundrum faced by students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who not only lack the capital but also guidance and networks. Previous research has demonstrated a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and the career aspirations of high school students. Factors such as parental guidance, access to educational resources, and professional networks often enable students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds to aspire to prestigious and higher-paying careers. In contrast, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds frequently set more limited goals due to financial constraints and restricted exposure. This study examines how socioeconomic status shapes the career aspirations of high school students in Ahmedabad, while considering variations within groups. Specifically, it investigates the motivating factors behind students’ aspirations, the barriers they encounter in pursuing their goals, and the types of support they require. A total of 180 students from multiple institutions participated in the study. The sample comprised 60 students from Anand Niketan International School and Ahmedabad International School (elite institutions), 60 students from Maharaja Agrasen School (a middle-income institution), and 60 students from lower-income schools. All participants were enrolled in senior secondary grades (10, 11, and 12). Data were collected through an online survey and in-depth interviews to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights.