Impostor syndrome (IS) is a psychological pattern when a person doubts their own abilities and fears being exposed as a fraud, even when there is clear proof of their competence. Self-esteem (SE) is how a person judges their own overall worth. Earlier research has found that stronger impostor feelings goes hand in hand with lower self-esteem. This study examined that link among Indian school students, undergraduates, postgraduates and working professionals. An online survey in English, Marathi and Hindi collected 193 responses, of which 184 remained after screening. IS (10 item CIPS scale, range 10 to 50) and SE (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, range 10 to 40) were both reliable and alpha values were 0.91and 0.86, respectively. IS and SE has a positive correlation of 0.64, with a p value below 0.001; opposite to most published findings. Scores differed significantly across four groups, with working professionals lowest, women higher than men, and scores falling with age and work experience. Respondent group, but not gender, was significantly associated with high or low IS. Impostor feelings are common here and move with self-esteem rather than against it, pointing to useful directions for student counselling and workplace mental-health support.

Niyati Sakharkar, Suparna Deepak,"Relationship between Impostor Syndrome and Self-Esteem among Indian Students and Working Professionals: A Cross Sectional Study" International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Educational Development, V2(5): Page(517-531) September - October 2026. ISSN: 3107-6513. www.ijamred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.