The study orientation of low and high academic achievers was compared, measured through a self-developed study orientation scale (SOS) primarily based on 47 items comparing study habits and attitude. Students' marks obtained in the 10th grade Examination determined the measure of academic performance. The analysis revealed that the high achievers had better study orientation, study habits and attitude, than the low achievers. There was no significant difference between the study orientations of male and female students but the rural students differed significantly from urban students on study orientation. (Contains 3 tables.)