Abstract
Educational hypogamy among women is inadequately explored in the Indian context. Based on National Family Health Survey (2019–21) data, this study elucidates the pattern and predictors of educational hypogamy and the role of caste in determining educational hypogamy in the country. Binary logistic regression and ordered logistic regression were applied using Stata. Fifteen percent of the women were in educationally hypogamous marriages, and there was an upward trend in its prevalence. The main determinants of educational hypogamy were lower age at marriage, backward caste, Hindu religion, rural residence, the educational achievement level of the bride, and higher age difference with the husband. Moreover, within educational hypogamy, caste hypergamy was preferred, primarily by socially backward groups.
