An examination of higher education in India focuses on the complexities of the sociocultural context in which it operates. Public policy concerning equity for specific social groups, including women, racial minorities, castes, and tribes, is discussed and difficulties in bridging the gap between policy and practice are noted. (MSE)

This paper discusses gender discrimination with regard to educational opportunity and outcomes in India. Although official statements promoting equity indicate awareness of the imbalances in this area, solutions, it is argued, lie not only in propagating new equitable educational practices but in political decisions that take into account existing…