SELF ESTEEM AND ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT OF SECONDARY LEVEL SANTAL STUDENTS IN WEST BENGAL

West Bengal hosts a significant Santal population, one of Indias largest indigenous communities, who face various challenges in mainstream education due to cultural, linguistic, and economic disparities.This study explored the relationship between self-esteem and academic adjustment among secondary-level Santal students across gender, locality, and medium of instruction. Objectives were to assess self-esteem and academic adjustment among Santal students and examine their correlation. Sample consisted of 723 students from Santali and other than Santali medium schools across urban and rural areas in Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, and Birbhum districts of West Bengal. Research design employed quantitative methods using Dhar & Dhars Self-Esteem Scale and Sarsanis Academic Adjustment Scale, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.Findings showed significant differences in self-esteem based on gender, location, and medium of instruction, with males and rural students reporting lower self-esteem. Similarly, academic adjustment varied by gender and medium of instruction but not by location. A minimal yet positive correlation between self-esteem and academic adjustment suggested external factors may mediate this relationship. These findings emphasize that gender norms, cultural identity, and linguistic alignment with curricula substantially influence indigenous students self-perception and adaptation to academic settings.Implications include the need for culturally responsive education policies (as advocated in the NCF 2005 and NEP 2020) that recognize indigenous students cultural identities. Targeted interventions could enhance self-esteem and facilitate academic adjustment among Santal students, supporting both personal development and broader social equity. By fostering inclusive educational environments, policymakers can improve academic outcomes and social integration for Santal students in West Bengal, promoting long-term empowerment within indigenous communities.