Journal Abstract

The study examines the determinants and far-reaching implications of students’ dropout at the tertiary level, using Jagannath University as a case study. A total of 100 respondents, who were dropout students, and 15 key informants, who were university teachers, participated in this study. The study reveals that both pedagogical forces, such as academic factors including poor results, lack of interest in the subject, etc. and non-academic factors, such as poor financial background, marriage, involvement in politics, etc., were found behind student dropout. This was a mixed-method study in which the qualitative method collected data through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observation, while the quantitative method entailed data collection through a survey. This study also found that readmitted students struggle with a lot of personal and academic issues, such as adjustment problems, discriminatory behavior from teachers, etc. Both the key informants and students put forward some measures to alleviate the discontinuation of tertiary-level education and identify the challenges faced by readmitted students. These include counselling, providing guidance through orientation, increasing acceptance of students who feel demotivated in their subjects, guiding students to obtain a good CGPA, promoting a culture of cooperation among students, etc.