A discussion of the student movement in India is contingent on an investigation of the political, psychological, and social determinants. It is posited that a sense of frustration and a sense of alienation is produced by certain socio-economic conditions. Accordingly the major variables in this analysis are (a) conducive social conditions, (b) intensity and scope of frustration, and (c) mediating situational factors. Conducive social conditions, as generated by the process of modernization would refer to changes in economic conditions, poor teaching facilities, defects in the educational system, irrelevance of education to life experiences, patterns of socialization, social mobility and Sanskritization, and the impact of certain other aspects of modernization. The sense of frustration is heightened by unsatisfied expectations, a sense of alienation, and distrust, combined with an emerging sense of self-efficacy and commitment.