Purpose : This study made an effort to examine how crucial postsecondary education is to the empowerment of India’s scheduled tribes. The scheduled tribes (STs) have experienced partial deprivation of jobs, healthcare, and education since independence. Therefore, education is the most effective path for the STs’ socioeconomic development. Using secondary data, the goals were to examine the state and patterns of the gross enrollment ratio of STs in higher education and assess education’s role in empowering scheduled tribes in India.

Methodology : Based on secondary data sources, including volumes, journals, articles, reports, and e-sources, this study was descriptive and analytical. Additionally, trustworthy data from the All India Survey of Higher Education, conducted from 2011–2012 to 2019–2020, has been included.

Findings : Higher education raises STs’ standard of living, lowers poverty, and strengthens their ability to think critically, according to the research. Though there was a significant difference compared to general categories, the gross enrollment ratio of STs in higher education grew with time. Thus, raising awareness of educational programs was imperative to strengthen STs.

Practical Implications : The results obtained from this research will be beneficial in developing and executing a successful policy that can strengthen the viewpoint on tribal literacy and empowerment. For the trained and skilled tribal people, the labor market and industry would also present additional job chances.

Originality : This special investigation is the outcome of the research project. It’s expected to support policymakers in creating reasonable policies to empower further.

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