We all know the importance of education in India. But have we ever wondered if marks are the only criterion to measure a student’s future? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. In India, a student’s academic performance is often seen as the sole factor that determines their future.
The Pressure to Perform
The pressure to perform well in exams starts from a very young age in India. Children as young as 5 or 6 years old are expected to perform well in their school exams, and this pressure only increases as they grow older. The constant emphasis on marks and grades creates a high-stress environment that can have serious consequences on a child’s mental and emotional well-being.
According to a study by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), over 60% of students in India suffer from exam-related stress. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. The study also found that the pressure to perform well in exams is one of the main reasons why students in India are increasingly turning to coaching classes and private tutors.
For example, a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) found that over 70% of students who took the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in 2020 had attended coaching classes. This is a staggering number, and it highlights the pressure that students are under to perform well in exams.
The Coaching Class Culture
The coaching class culture in India is a multi-billion dollar industry that has grown exponentially over the past few decades. Coaching classes and private tutors have become an essential part of a student’s life in India, with many parents spending thousands of rupees every month on coaching classes alone.
According to a report by the market research firm, Technopak, the coaching class industry in India is expected to grow to over $20 billion by 2025. This is a staggering number, and it highlights the pressure that students are under to perform well in exams.
While coaching classes can provide additional support and guidance to students, they can also create a culture of dependency and rote learning. Many students rely solely on coaching classes to prepare for their exams, rather than putting in the effort to study and learn on their own. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the real world.
The Impact on Mental Health
The pressure to perform well in exams, combined with the coaching class culture, can have serious negative consequences for students’ mental health. The pressure to perform can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have long-term effects on students’ self-esteem and confidence.
According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), India has one of the highest rates of depression and anxiety in the world. The study found that over 50% of students in India suffer from depression and anxiety, with the pressure to perform well in exams being one of the main contributing factors.
For example, a study by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that over 70% of students who took their own lives in India were under pressure to perform well in exams. This is a shocking statistic, and it highlights the need for a more holistic approach to education in India.
The Need for a Change
It is clear that the current education system in India, with its overemphasis on marks and grades, is not sustainable. The pressure to perform well in exams, combined with the coaching class culture, is having a devastating impact on students’ mental health and well-being.
There is a need for a change in the way we approach education in India. We need to move away from the current system, which places so much emphasis on marks and grades, and towards amore holistic approach that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
We need to encourage students to explore their passions and interests, and to develop a love of learning that goes beyond mere grades. We need to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, project-based learning that allows them to develop practical skills and apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.
The Role of Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers play a crucial role in shaping a student’s future. They need to understand that marks are not the only measure of a student’s success. They need to encourage students to explore their passions and interests, and to develop a love of learning that goes beyond mere grades.
Parents and teachers also need to be aware of the pressure that students are under to perform well in exams. They need to provide students with support and guidance, and to help them develop coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety.
The Role of the Government
The government also has a crucial role to play in shaping the education system in India. They need to recognize the limitations of the current system and to take steps to reform it.
The government needs to provide more funding for education, and to ensure that schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education. They also need to take steps to reduce the pressure on students
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current education system in India, with its overemphasis on marks and grades, is not sustainable. The pressure to perform well in exams, combined with the coaching class culture, is having a devastating impact on students’ mental health and well-being.
It Is time for us to rethink our approach to education in India. We need to move away from the current system, which places so much emphasis on marks and grades, and towards a more holistic approach that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
We need to encourage students to explore their passions and interests, and to develop a love of learning that goes beyond mere grades. We need to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, project-based learning that allows them to develop practical skills and apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.
By taking a more holistic approach to education, we can create a system that truly prepares students for success in the 21st century. We can help students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
So, let us work together to create a better education system for India’s future generations. Let us prioritize the well-being and happiness of our students, and provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed. Only then can we truly say that we are providing our students with the education they deserve.
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Writer: Sahil Bilal, is available at: 123sahilbilallone@gmail.com
