Influence of Socio-Economic Status on the Academic Performance of the Students of Higher Secondary Schools in Manipur

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of socio-economic status (SES) on the academic performance of higher secondary students in Manipur. A sample of 360 students from 12 higher secondary schools in Bishnupur District was selected through simple random sampling for a survey conducted during the 2024-25 academic year. The objectives were to: (1) analyze the socio-economic status of students, and (2) examine its relationship with academic performance. Data were collected using the Socio-economic Status Scale (SESS-UKS) by Upadhyay (2019), while academic performance was measured by the percentage of marks obtained in the 2023 High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLCE) administered by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM). Data collection and test administration took place from January to May 2024, adhering to ethical guidelines with written consent from participants and schools. Findings revealed that most students come from average or below-average socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, higher socio-economic status was significantly associated with better academic performance.