Analysis of Indian demographic data reveals that years of schooling demonstrate a stronger inverse relationship with premature adult mortality than household income levels. The protective effect of education appears to operate independently of economic status, suggesting distinct pathways through which learning influences health outcomes. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about socioeconomic determinants of mortality in developing nations. Educational interventions may yield superior population health returns compared to purely economic development strategies, particularly in regions transitioning from high infant to high adult mortality burdens. The mechanism likely involves improved health literacy, better decision-making around preventive care, and enhanced ability to navigate healthcare systems. However, the study's observational design cannot establish causation, and cultural factors specific to India may limit global generalizability. The research adds nuance to WHO frameworks that typically emphasize income inequality as the primary socioeconomic mortality driver. For health policy, these results suggest that sustained investment in education infrastructure could deliver measurable longevity benefits across populations, even where economic development lags. The protective effect appears most pronounced in middle-aged adults, indicating education's cumulative health advantages manifest over decades.