Abstract

In this era of globalisation, a competitive mindset is seen everywhere. To thrive in this competitive world, one must choose a profession that matches interests, cognitive abilities, aptitudes, and aspirations. Otherwise, an individual has to face the problem of adjustment in his /her career. Occupational aspirations are an ambition one has to aim to succeed in one's career or chosen occupation. These are preferences or desires of an individual for his/her future achievement in their occupation. The higher secondary level is regarded as the best period to follow a specific career direction, considering the students’ occupational aspirations. This stage of education is very crucial as it covers adolescents. The study aims to investigate the differences in occupational aspirations between higher secondary students of both genders (female and male) and across institutional settings (government and private). The present study focused on the occupational aspirations of higher secondary students in the Dimapur district of Nagaland. The study is based on a sample of 52 students, 23 males and 29 females were selected randomly from government and private schools. For the collection and analysis of data descriptive survey method and the t-test were used as statistical techniques. The findings of the present study revealed that there is no significant difference between the occupational aspirations of gender (male and female) and the types of institutions (government and private school students) among higher secondary students.