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@article{206959,
        author = {Santosh S. Sonavane},
        title = {An Empirical Study of Challenges Faced by Undergraduate Students in Rural Areas of Palghar District},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {3381-3387},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206959},
        abstract = {Higher education plays an important role in developing knowledge, skills, employability and social mobility among young people. However, undergraduate students residing in rural areas frequently encounter difficulties that affect their access to education, regular attendance, academic performance and continuation of studies. The present study examines the challenges faced by undergraduate students in the rural areas of Palghar District, with particular emphasis on travelling time, transportation, safety, and cleaning and hygiene facilities. The study also considers the rural and tribal characteristics of Palghar District, where geographical distance, limited transport connectivity and inadequate institutional facilities may create obstacles for students pursuing higher education.
Primary data were collected from 140 students and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, one-sample t-test and Friedman test. The findings reveal that transportation was the most serious challenge, recording the highest mean score of 74.18 and mean rank of 2.93. Travelling time was ranked second, followed by safety, while cleaning and hygiene received the lowest rank. The hypothesis-testing results showed significant challenges concerning travelling time, transportation and safety, whereas cleaning and hygiene were not found to be statistically significant at the 5 per cent level. The study concludes that improving rural transportation, reducing travelling difficulties and strengthening student safety measures are essential for ensuring equitable access to undergraduate education in Palghar District.},
        keywords = {Rural undergraduate students, transportation challenges, travelling time, Palghar District.},
        month = {July},
        }