Enrollment, retention and progression of home science post graduates in Northern India

Students are most essential asset for any educational institute. The social and economic development of the country is directly linked with student academic performance. Academic performance at graduation level predicts the future performance of the students in higher education and vocational courses. Home Science is an interdisciplinary field of science that prepares its students to develop themselves with multiple vocations and career options. In the current study, an attempt was made to analyze enrollment, retention and progression of Home Science postgraduates from Northern State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) of India. Survey questionnaires were developed to collect primary and secondary data so as to elicit structured responses in quantifiable terms. Sample of the study consisted of the Home Science post graduates from seven selected SAUs from the northern states of India who had completed Master's programme between the period 2012–13 and-2016-17. The list of the students along with their contact numbers and e-mail ID's was obtained from respective SAUs. Data indicated that during five years span, 94.15 per cent students passed out, out of 599 students admitted while 5.84 per cent dropped before completing their degrees. Only 17.19 per cent students were admitted through ICAR-AIEEA (PG) against 25 per cent seats reserved for ICAR students. Overall, more than one third of the students opted for PhD after completing Masters programme. The study shows that Home Science students are competing well in the fast changing job market scenario and possess professional skills needed for employment. It indicates that Home Science education has kept pace with market demand.