Three studies were conducted for examining the meaning of achievement cognition (goals and means) and to determine variation in these cognitions as related to certain subcultural variables. In study 1, (N=922), foals and means of achievement were explored through open ended questionnaire as related to ecological background, sex, and developmental stage. Study II, (N=432) examined the structure of achievement cognitions using a questionnaire measure of achievement cognition developed on the basis of categories derived from study l. Study III (N=80) investigated the effects of sense of self, sex, developmental stage, and expectation on achievement cognitions. The findings revealed that the meaning of achievement is a multifaceted phenomenon which involves cultural and subcultural variations. The results implicate that for influencing and enhancing achievement in Indian context we have to consider culturally specific dimensions of achievement.