Educational Challenges and Institutional Support for First-Generation Girl Students in Higher Education

Abstract

First-generation girl students represent a critically disadvantaged segment within higher education, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of India. Although access to higher education has improved in recent years, these students continue to encounter persistent academic, economic, and socio-cultural constraints. The present study investigates the academic and personal challenges experienced by first-generation girl students, examines the influence of family background and social environment on their educational outcomes, and evaluates the role of institutional support in enhancing academic success. A descriptive research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 70 first-generation girl students using a structured questionnaire. The study utilized percentage analysis, mean score analysis, chi-square test, correlation, and regression analysis for data interpretation. The findings reveal that academic workload, time management issues, and financial constraints constitute the major challenges faced by students. Further, family background and social environment exert a significant influence on educational outcomes, while institutional support demonstrates a strong positive effect on academic success. The study underscores the necessity for targeted institutional interventions to promote equity, retention, and empowerment among first-generation girl students in higher education.