A Study of Subject as Correlate of Academic Achievement among Degree Students in Puducherry

Abstract

In this world of advancements in Science and Technology, a variety of subjects and courses are offered by various colleges, institutes, and universities of higher learning providing enough opportunities to students to pursue their higher studies as per their interest and aspirations. Irrespective of the courses available, it is the choice of subject by students that matters a lot towards their academic success and achievements. As such, what is most important is the right choice of subject of study in alignment with one\'s area of interest, aspiration, aptitude, aims, goals, and priorities. This choice of subject/course, if done well or addressed appropriately, would result in greater focus, involvement, concentration, earnest endeavours, and achievement, and success towards attainment of one\'s aims, goals, aspirations & ambitions in life & career. Thus this study is designed & undertaken in such a way as to study the correlations if any between choice of subject & Academic Achievement of students at the level of Higher Education wherein 310 First Year Degree students constituted the sample of this study covering various subjects and colleges functioning under both Government and Private Management in Puducherry, India. The Results of the study had clearly established a positive and significant correlation between choice of subject of study by students with that of their level of Academic Achievement. Thus this study and findings have once again reestablished the reality & importance of choice of subject of study by students at the level of Higher Education & its significant correlation or influence in respect of their Academic Achievement and Success.

Introduction

This study examines the relationship between students’ choice of subject and their academic achievement, emphasizing that selecting a course aligned with one’s interests, abilities, aptitude, and career goals is crucial for academic success and long-term development. In an era of increasing specialization and competition, the right choice of subject and institution is presented as a key determinant of both academic performance and professional excellence.

Focusing on first-year degree students in Puducherry, the research highlights the broader importance of academic achievement for individual growth, workforce development, and national progress. A review of related studies consistently shows that subject choice significantly influences motivation, engagement, creativity, career aspirations, and overall performance, while also reducing dropout rates and academic stagnation.

The study employed a quantitative research design with a sample of 310 first-year Arts, Science, and Engineering students from government and private institutions. Academic achievement (measured through university examination scores) was treated as the dependent variable, and subject of study as the independent variable. One-way ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis that no significant relationship exists between subject choice and academic achievement.

The results revealed a statistically significant difference in academic achievement across subject groups, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This confirms that subject of study is significantly correlated with academic achievement among degree students in Puducherry. The findings align closely with earlier national and international research, reinforcing the conclusion that informed and interest-based subject choice plays a vital role in enhancing academic performance and educational outcomes.

Conclusion

It has become evident from the findings of this study that choice of subject of study by students correlates with that of their Academic Achievement. This finding is also substantiated by many other similar findings of researches who all have established a significant correlation between students choice of subjects and Academic Performance & Achievement. This research findings along with similar other findings have a lot of significance in respect of Achievement & success of students in all their Academic pursuits & endeavours. As such all parties involved such as Parents, Students, Teachers, Institutions, NGO\'s, & Government Organisations are expected to plan, counsel, educate, create awareness, disseminate Knowledge & information, take steps & organize various Activities in such a manner that the student community at all levels especially those moving from Secondary to Higher secondary as well Higher Secondary to Institutions of Higher learning—be it Arts, Science, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering and Technology etc are adequately informed, motivated, enlightened & guided as to enable them make the right choice in respect of the subjects of study towards their greater future, success & Achievement in life and career.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Rosalind Prabha M. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.