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How do beliefs and preferences over jobs affect enrollment in vocational training: Experimental evidence from India

Author

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  • Bhatiya, Apurav Yash
  • Chakravorty, Bhaskar
  • Imbert, Clément
  • Rathelot, Roland

Abstract

We survey young job seekers in rural India to understand the determinants of enrollment in a government training program with guaranteed placement into urban jobs. Respondents are over-optimistic: they expect jobs that pay more and are closer to home than actual placement opportunities. We implement an RCT and provide them with objective information on the distribution of placement salaries or job locations. The intervention successfully corrects subjects’ beliefs, which affects their decision to enroll in the program. By revealed preferences, our estimates suggest that job seekers need to be paid 50% more to work outside their home state.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhatiya, Apurav Yash & Chakravorty, Bhaskar & Imbert, Clément & Rathelot, Roland, 2026. "How do beliefs and preferences over jobs affect enrollment in vocational training: Experimental evidence from India," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:184:y:2026:i:c:s0014292125002880
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105238
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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