Education is often considered the key to success, a means of securing a stable future, and a pathway to fulfilling one's dreams.
However, in modern India, education has transformed into a high-stakes game where students carry an unbearable burden—the expectations of their families, society, and a system that equates success with prestigious college admissions.
The viral Reddit post about a father's "contract" with his son—offering 40% of his salary if he cracks IIT, but claiming 100% of his son's salary if he fails—might seem like a joke at first, but it reflects a harsh reality.
The Weight of Parental Expectations
Indian parents often have dreams for their children that stem from their own experiences and struggles.
They want their children to have a secure and respectable career, and for many, this translates to clearing competitive exams like JEE (for IITs) or NEET (for medical colleges). However, the pressure to fulfill these dreams has turned education into a race where failure is not an option.
Parents invest years of savings into coaching centers, spend sleepless nights worrying about their child’s future, and measure their love and pride in terms of college admissions.
This system does not just burden students—it also weighs down parents with expectations and fears.
A Culture That Measures Success in College Rankings
India’s obsession with academic achievements has fostered a culture where self-worth is directly linked to college admissions.
The belief that one must secure a seat in an IIT or AIIMS to be considered successful is widespread, but it is also deeply flawed.
1. Not All Successful People Went to IIT – Some of India’s top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders never stepped into an IIT or a top-tier medical college. Yet, they built successful careers through skills, experience, and perseverance.
2. Degrees Don’t Guarantee Success – Many IIT graduates struggle in the job market due to a mismatch between academic training and real-world skills. Meanwhile, many self-made individuals carve out prosperous careers in unconventional fields.
3. The Definition of Success is Subjective – True success is about personal fulfillment, creativity, and contribution to society, not just a college brand name.
The Mental Health Toll on Students
Statistics reveal an alarming trend—66% of IIT aspirants report severe anxiety during preparation. The fear of failure, constant comparisons, and social stigma associated with not "making it" have pushed students into depression, burnout, and, tragically, even suicide.
The Need for Positive Reinforcement
Studies have shown that students perform better with encouragement, support, and positive reinforcement rather than threats, punishment, or excessive pressure. A child who is taught to love learning will be more successful in the long run than one who studies out of fear.
When Did Education Become a Form of Torture?
Education should empower students, not imprison them in an endless cycle of stress. Yet, for many, school and coaching institutes feel more like a battlefield than a place of learning. It’s time we ask ourselves:
Why is the system designed to filter out students rather than nurture them?
Why is failure treated as the end of the road rather than a stepping stone to growth?
Why do we glorify stress and sleepless nights instead of holistic learning?
Choosing Mental Health Over Marks
It’s time for a paradigm shift in Indian education. Here’s what needs to change:
1. Emphasizing Skill Development Over Rote Learning – Education should focus on real-world skills like critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability rather than memorization.
2. Encouraging Diverse Career Paths – Success isn’t limited to engineering or medicine. Careers in arts, humanities, entrepreneurship, sports, and vocational fields should be equally respected.
3. Normalizing Failure and Resilience – Failure should be seen as a learning experience, not a shameful setback. Parents, teachers, and society need to redefine success.
4. Prioritizing Mental Health in Schools – Schools should implement counseling programs, stress management workshops, and a curriculum that promotes well-being.
Are We Setting Up Students for Success or Stress?
As a society, we must rethink our approach to education.
Are we nurturing young minds to explore, innovate, and grow, or are we pushing them into a relentless cycle of competition and anxiety?
True education is about developing curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. Success should not be about surviving a system but about thriving in life. It’s time we choose growth over grades and well-being over rankings.
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