In Assam, most of the youth is bound to be neglected towards access to higher education for which the enrollment ratio of the state of Assam is very low as compared to the other states of North - East India. Besides that, it is also clearly stated at the enrolment ratio of higher education that female literacy rate is lower than the male literacy rate. It is because most of the conservative believe that endorsement in woman to ensure education would result in distortion of their cultural practices vested in their female child. Fee waiver scheme is the only way through which it could eradicate such issues and challenges of higher education. The present study has been focused to address the various issues and challenges of 21^st century and it is further intended to know to which extent it has been salutary to our society. From the study, it is thus obvious to note that most of the economic pressure of the parents would be minimized and constantly it could help in elevating socio-economic growth of the country.

Keywords: Fee Waiver Scheme, Higher Education, 21^st Century, Issues and challenges, effectiveness of Fee Waiver scheme.