• SREELATHA P
• Dr. KARTHIKA DEEPA C

The study examined how gender, residential locale, academic level, and academic stream influence the digital intelligence (DI) of arts and science college students in Palakkad district, Kerala. Using a descriptive survey design, data was collected through a standardized Digital Intelligence Scale administered to students from arts, commerce, and science streams, and analyzed using suitable statistical techniques to test the hypotheses. The results showed that gender, academic level, and academic stream had a significant effect on digital intelligence, whereas residential locale did not. Male students demonstrated higher levels of digital adaptability and confidence than females, while postgraduate students outperformed undergraduates, likely due to greater academic exposure and engagement with digital tools. Science stream students also exhibited higher digital intelligence than those in arts and commerce, reflecting their increased interaction with technology-based learning environments. Conversely, the lack of difference between rural and urban students suggests that widespread internet availability and improved digital infrastructure have minimized location-based disparities. Overall, the findings highlight that academic and demographic factor, except locale, continue to shape digital intelligence and emphasize the importance of inclusive digital literacy programs across all disciplines and levels in higher education to promote equitable digital competence, enhance employability, and support effective participation in the modern digital world.

Digital Intelligence, Gender, Residential Locale, Academic Level, Academic Stream, College Students.

"DIFFERENTIAL INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.c206-c212, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511225.pdf

"DIFFERENTIAL INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppc206-c212, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511225.pdf