Teachers’ Perceptions of Academic Achievement in Autonomous Colleges: A Gender and Rural–Urban Analysis

Academic achievement in higher education is shaped by a complex interaction of institutional, socio-cultural, and demographic factors. In autonomous colleges, where academic flexibility and curricular innovations are emphasised, teachers play a crucial role in interpreting and supporting student achievement outcomes. The present study examines teachers’ perceptions of academic achievement in autonomous colleges with particular reference to gender differences and rural–urban contexts. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from college teachers through a structured questionnaire focusing on factors influencing student performance, learning engagement, and institutional support mechanisms. The findings highlight that teachers perceive academic achievement as influenced not only by students’ cognitive abilities but also by motivational factors, learning environment, and socio-economic background. Significant perceptual variations were observed across gender and rural–urban groups, indicating that contextual disparities continue to shape academic outcomes even within autonomous institutional frameworks. The study underscores the need for inclusive pedagogical strategies and targeted academic support systems to bridge gender- and location-based achievement gaps. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on equity, quality enhancement, and student success in autonomous higher education institutions.