This study investigates achievement motivation among tribal and non-tribal college students in Assam using the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Achievement motivation, a critical determinant of success, varies significantly across cultural and social contexts. Through an analysis of TAT responses, this research explores the motivational drives, aspirations, and barriers faced by students from diverse backgrounds. The findings reveal distinct patterns in the narratives, reflecting the influence of socio-cultural factors on goal-setting, persistence, and achievement orientation. Tribal students’ stories often emphasize collective aspirations and overcoming systemic challenges, while non-tribal students highlight individual ambition and competitive success. The study underscores the importance of culturally tailored educational and psychological interventions to foster achievement motivation in heterogeneous groups.

Achievement Motivation, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Tribal Students

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