BARRIERS TO ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AND CAREER PREPAREDNESS: UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES IN EASTERN WEST BENGAL

This study explores the challenges faced by undergraduate students in government-aided and private colleges in Hooghly and Howrah districts, Eastern West Bengal. Forty students (20 males, 20 females) from different academic streams and social backgrounds were selected using purposive sampling and participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data and identify key patterns affecting students’ learning experiences. The findings highlight five key areas. Institutional barriers, such as limited mentoring, inadequate learning resources, administrative delays, and lack of co-curricular activities, made it difficult for students to engage fully and develop skills. Digital access and skills were major challenges, with students facing problems due to lack of devices, poor internet, and low digital literacy, especially among rural and economically disadvantaged students. Socio-economic and personal responsibilities-including financial pressures, household duties, and time management challenges-reduced students’ study time and focus. Social and cultural factors, such as gender restrictions, caste bias, and peer pressure, limited participation and confidence. Finally, program relevance was concerns, with students worried about employability, curriculum relevance, and lack of career guidance. These findings show how multiple barriers combine to affect learning and career preparation, pointing to the need for mentoring, resource support, digital training, and career guidance in colleges.