By: Mohammad Arfat Wani
Throughout the various phases of human life, there come moments that not only shape one’s personality but also sketch the outline of their future. Among these, academic examinations hold a pivotal place. Whether it’s NEET, JEE, Civil Services, SSB, board exams, or other competitive tests—these are no longer mere academic evaluations. They have become symbolic of psychological pressure, emotional turmoil, social expectations, familial aspirations, and even personal identity.
The success or failure in such exams does not affect only the student but resonates across their family, community, and sometimes even influences the broader societal mindset and behavior.
- Psychological Effects on the Human Mind
As exam season approaches, thousands of students experience anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and overwhelming self-doubt. According to the American Psychological Association, exam stress is one of the leading causes of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among youth worldwide. The WHO’s 2022 report states that academic failure is the third leading cause of suicide among youth aged 15 to 29.
The expectations of parents, the rigidity of the education system, cut-throat competition, and societal gaze become burdens that crush delicate young minds. British psychologist Professor Susan Barnett states, “Exam anxiety is not just fear of failure; it’s a fear of losing identity.”
In other words, the fear of exams marks not just academic dread but the beginning of an identity crisis.
- Parental Expectations and Familial Pressure
In regions like India, Bangladesh, and Kashmir, parents often hold unusually high expectations from their children. These expectations can turn into scolding, emotional blackmail, or even humiliation when unmet. A study reveals that 76% of students study solely to please their parents, not out of personal interest or dreams.
Such pressure cultivates feelings of inferiority, confusion, and despair. Many children begin to believe, “If I fail, my parents won’t love me,” which can tragically lead to fatal consequences.
- Social Attitudes and the Stigma of Failure
Our society glorifies successful students as heroes while labeling those who fail as useless. Post-result social media commentary, piercing looks from relatives, and whispers in the neighborhood can shatter a student’s confidence.
Renowned sociologist Dr. Erik Anderson writes: “In developing societies, academic failure is treated as a moral failing, not a circumstantial one.”
That is, failure is viewed not as a situational outcome, but as a character flaw.
- Flaws in the Education System
A fundamental question arises: is our education system a true measure of a student’s abilities? When exams rely on rote learning, numerical scores, and one-day performance, how can they assess real intelligence and talent?
International educationalist Sir Ken Robinson said, “Our education system is killing creativity by prioritizing conformity over curiosity.”
Indian educationist Professor Anita Ramaswamy adds, “We need to move from a marks-oriented system to a mind-oriented one.”
- Mental Health and the Risk of Suicide
The rising rate of student suicides following exam failures is a grave concern. In places like Kashmir, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, dozens of students take their own lives every year. According to the WHO, around 800,000 people die by suicide annually—many of them students.
Canadian psychologist Dr. Jonathan Hill remarks, “The scars of academic pressure are invisible but more fatal than physical injuries.” These wounds may not be visible, but they are capable of ending lives.
- Media, Ranking Culture, and the Competitive Race
The media’s obsession with exam toppers and their repeated glorification exacerbates the sense of failure among other students. A student scoring 80% is deemed a failure simply because their name doesn’t appear in the topper lists.
Ranking culture has turned education into a race, where the goal is no longer knowledge—but numbers.
- Alternate Paths, Skills, and Non-Academic Potential
It’s vital to understand that every individual’s path is unique. Failing in exams like NEET or JEE does not mean a person cannot succeed in life. Some of the most iconic figures—Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, and Elon Musk—succeeded by venturing beyond formal education.
Every child possesses some talent, which may shine in a domain beyond academics. We must help students realize that life’s doors do not close with the outcome of one examination.
- The Shared Responsibility of Parents, Teachers, and Society
We must collectively nurture patience, resilience, and self-belief in our children. Parents must offer love and encouragement, teachers should understand their students’ emotions, and society must stop defining individuals by their weaknesses.
The WHO aptly states: “Mental health promotion in educational settings must be a policy, not an option.”
Conclusion: Hope, Resilience, and the Vastness of Life
Life is not confined to a single exam, nor is success defined by a solitary result. True success lies in rising after each fall, and continuing the journey. Faith in Allah, prayer, effort, and patience open doors we never imagined.
The famed poet Jaun Elia once said:
Kuch nahīn ho sakā hamāre sāth, phir bhī ham kitne kāmyāb hain
(Nothing ever worked out for us, yet how successful we are.)
This is the essence of success. The real lesson of life is to use failure as a ladder, not a grave.
Hence, this message is not only for students but for parents, teachers, policymakers, and society as a whole. We must collectively create an ecosystem where every failure becomes a new beginning, not the end.
The writer is a social activist and medical student. [email protected])
