In this presentation, the aim is to explore the experiences of young Naga individuals residing in Delhi and their perceptions of the life course. Delhi, being an educational and employment hub, attracts many people from Northeast India, including the Nagas. However, it has been observed that a significant number of them tend to prolong their schooling without any clear objectives. While some pursue further studies to attain master’s or doctoral degrees, others attend coaching schools to prepare for civil servant examinations. Although many students study with purpose, a considerable number of them seem to be extending their moratorium periods without any apparent seriousness. Before the modernization of Nagas villages, young boys and girls had access to a facility called "Morung," where they would stay until they reached adulthood. This facility served as a training institution to help young people become responsible adults. However, with the introduction of modern education, the training system disappeared and was incorporated into India's modern education system. This has resulted in people changing their concept of time, and their imagination of the life course has also shifted. The concept of becoming an adult has also changed, with the period of being a 'student' becoming more prevalent. In the past, individuals who received modern education finished their schooling after graduating from high school or completing their undergraduate degrees. They then began working in their early 20s and started their own families in their mid-20s. However, a recent phenomenon is that many Naga people are extending their education periods and delaying their decision-making processes. The presentation aims to investigate young Naga people's narratives of their extension of the moratorium period by examining the current politico-economic situation surrounding them.
