Studies on intergenerational educational mobility (IEM) in India rarely focus on women, and those that do often rely on secondary data, lacking insights into current trends. Using data from a longitudinal survey of 304 women across 18 villages in Uttar Pradesh. We provide firsthand insights into intergenerational education mobility (IEM) patterns and their underlying causes using transition matrices and mobility measures. Findings indicate that 75% of women experienced upward mobility respect to their mothers, and 70% respect to their fathers. Overall, IEM is predominantly upward. The primary reasons for daughters attaining more education than their parents include parental support, particularly from mothers, and their own motivation to study. Conversely, those with lower education levels than their parents cited financial constraints, the need to assist with family farming, business, or household work, socio-cultural factors, and inadequate school facilities for girls. This study highlights the continued existence of gender disparities in education and emphasizes the crucial role of parental education in shaping daughter’s educational outcomes. By offering both quantitative estimates and qualitative insights, this study contributes to the discourse on intergenerational educational mobility in India. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to improve girl’s education, address structural barriers, and raise awareness of its long-term benefits. Strengthening schools and implementing programs that support girls can help more daughters achieve higher education than their parents, ensuring fair learning opportunities for all women.
Singh et al. (2026) studied this question.