This qualitative study investigated the issue of student dropout among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students at the higher secondary level (grades 11-12) in Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Data were collected from four Bengali-medium schools using a qualitative survey method that included school records, questionnaires, and interview schedules. The analysis revealed that the dropout rate of tribal students increased sharply from 2018-2019 to 2020-2021 and decreased from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. Notably, the dropout rate of tribal students was found to be higher than that of non-tribal students. The main reasons for dropout were identified as language barriers and poor economic status. Other associated factors include long distance between home and school, participation of students in household chores, lack of conducive learning environment in schools, and lack of awareness about the value of education among parents and the community.