The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have brought to light a striking diversity in the educational qualifications of the winning candidates, according to a report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have brought to light a striking diversity in the educational qualifications of the winning candidates, according to a report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). The data reveals that 19% of the newly elected MPs have education levels ranging from class 5 to class 12, while a significant 77% hold graduate degrees or higher. The report also notes that seventeen MPs are diploma holders, and one is classified as "just literate."
Interestingly, none of the 121 candidates who declared themselves illiterate managed to secure a seat. Among the winners, the educational spread includes two candidates who studied up to class 5, four up to class 8, thirty-four up to class 10, and sixty-five up to class 12.
The professional backgrounds of the new MPs are equally varied. An analysis by PRS Legislative Research highlights that agriculture and social work are the predominant professions among the 543 Members of Parliament. Notably, 91% of MPs from Chhattisgarh, 72% from Madhya Pradesh, and 65% from Gujarat are engaged in agriculture.
Moreover, the new Lok Sabha includes a noteworthy percentage of professionals: 7% of the MPs are lawyers and 4% are medical practitioners. The trend of increasing educational attainment among MPs has been observed consistently from the 1st Lok Sabha through to the 11th (1996-98). However, there has been a rise in the number of MPs without college education over the years, though this figure has slightly decreased from 27% in the 17th Lok Sabha to 22% in the 18th Lok Sabha.
The analysis also indicates that 5% of the MPs hold doctoral degrees, including three women, highlighting a commendable level of academic achievement within the parliamentary body.
Of the 8,390 candidates who contested the elections, 121 declared themselves illiterate, 359 had education up to the 5th grade, 647 up to the 8th grade, 1,303 had completed school, and 1,502 held graduate degrees. Additionally, there were 198 candidates with doctoral degrees, as mentioned in India TV report.
This blend of educational and professional diversity among the newly elected MPs reflects the multifaceted nature of India’s electorate and its representatives, showcasing a broad spectrum of experiences and expertise in the 18th Lok Sabha.