In India, the pursuit of success in competitive exams has long been ingrained in the cultural ethos. Seen as the gateway to prestigious institutions and lucrative careers, these exams wield immense influence over the aspirations of millions of students. However, beneath the facade of opportunity lies a darker reality—a relentless rat race that often leads to mental and emotional distress, and in extreme cases, even to the brink of extinction.
The pressure cooker environment of competitive exams begins early, with students as young as middle school grappling with the expectations of their families, peers, and society at large. The stressors associated with competitive exams in India:
- Intense Competition: The demand for limited seats in prestigious colleges and universities creates fierce competition among students, necessitating exceptionally high scores for success.
- Parental Expectations: Parents commonly pressure their children to excel in competitive exams, particularly in families with a history of academic achievement.
- Media Influence: The portrayal of successful exam performers in the media as intelligent and accomplished further heightens the pressure on students to meet societal expectations.
- Self-Imposed Stress: Many students internalize the pressure to perform well in exams, driven by fears of failure and a desire to meet parental and societal expectations.
The competition is fierce, with acceptance rates at top-tier institutions often dipping to single digits. As a result, students are subjected to grueling study schedules, sleepless nights, and an overwhelming fear of failure that permeates every aspect of their lives.
The toll on mental health is one of the most evident consequences of this pressure culture. Anxiety, depression, and burnout are all too common among students preparing for these exams. The constant fear of not measuring up to societal standards can lead to crippling inadequacy and self-doubt. Unfortunately, many young lives have been lost to suicide, unable to bear the weight of expectations imposed upon them.
In 2022, India witnessed over 13,000 student suicides, comprising 7.6% of all suicide deaths, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Notably, within the last two months, 6 students in Kota have taken their own lives, marking a distressing trend following the record high of 26 student suicides in the town the previous year.
Moreover, the academic obsession often comes at the expense of holistic development. Students are encouraged to memorize facts and figures rather than foster critical thinking and creativity. The emphasis on rote learning stifles innovation and original thought, perpetuating a cycle of conformity that stifles individuality and diversity.
The consequences of this pressure cooker culture extend far beyond the individual level, impacting society as a whole. The relentless pursuit of academic excellence fuels inequality, widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Students from underprivileged backgrounds are often at a disadvantage, lacking access to resources and support systems that their more affluent peers take for granted.
In the recent past, former Tamil Nadu High Court Judge Justice A.K. Rajan submitted a report to the Tamil Nadu government highlighting how NEET disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged students, potentially exacerbating the shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas. He emphasized that the competition for medical entrance favors students from affluent backgrounds, leading to a scarcity of doctors in India, particularly in rural regions. Justice Rajan’s report highlighted students hailing from affluent backgrounds secure the majority of seats, leaving only a few opportunities for those from disadvantaged sections. Furthermore, after completing their medical education in India, many privileged students opt to pursue higher studies abroad, resulting in a shortage of doctors within the country. This exodus of trained professionals exacerbates the acute deficit of healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas, where hospitals, healthcare centers, and subcenters often operate without a sufficient number of doctors or with doctors making only irregular visits. Thus, he emphasized the urgent need for reforms to address these disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for fairness and equal opportunities in the education system.
Furthermore, Surjeet Khanna, former Principal of DPS, Greater Faridabad, underscored the prevalence of early competition in India’s education system, especially in urban areas, due to curriculum structure and parental expectations. She emphasized the importance of teaching children to handle success and failure realistically and cautioned against imposing excessive pressure on exams like the NEET and JEE. Khanna recommended fostering self-awareness, skill development, and open discussions about career paths in middle school to help children prepare for exams aligned with their interests.
Needless to say, it’s high time that we reevaluate our approach to education and redefine the metrics of success. Rather than reducing students to mere test scores, we must nurture their passions, interests, and unique talents. Education should be a tool for empowerment, not a means of perpetuating societal inequalities.
As a society, we must prioritize mental health and well-being over academic achievement. Schools and institutions must provide adequate support services and counseling to help students cope with stress and anxiety. Parents and educators must encourage open dialogue and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
In conclusion, the rat race of competitive exams in India is not just a matter of academic competition; it’s a matter of life and death. We owe it to our future generations to create a more nurturing and inclusive educational ecosystem, one that celebrates diversity, fosters creativity, and promotes holistic well-being. Only then can we break free from the shackles of this destructive rat race and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
