A Comparative Study on Achievement Motivation Among Students of Professional and Non-Professional Courses

Abstract The present study examined differences in achievement motivation between students enrolled in professional and non-professional undergraduate courses. Achievement motivation refers to the internal drive that inspires individuals to pursue success, overcome challenges, and attain excellence. The hypothesis (H₁) proposed that students pursuing professional courses would exhibit higher achievement motivation than those enrolled in non-professional courses. A purposive sample of 120 students (60 from professional courses—B.E., B.Tech—and 60 from non-professional courses—B.A., B.Sc., B.Com), aged 20–23 years, was selected. The Achievement Motivation Test (ACMT) by V. P. Bhargava was administered. Data were analyzed using the mean and independent sample t-test. Results revealed that non-professional course students had a higher mean achievement motivation score (M = 19.3) compared to professional course students (M = 16.9). However, the obtained t-value of 1.81 was not statistically significant, leading to acceptance of the null hypothesis. These findings indicate that the course type does not significantly influence students’ achievement motivation. Educational implications for teachers, counsellors, and institutions are discussed.