The 2018 guidelines for student support and private institute regulation were largely ignored. Without strict enforcement, new laws may also fail. Parents should avoid pressuring children into unsuitable careers or linking their worth to academic success.
Bhaskar Parichha
The recent tragic deaths of three young students—two who were preparing for the NEET exam in Kota, Rajasthan, and a forensic science student from a private university in Mohali, Punjab—underscore a critical issue in India that is being largely ignored. One of these students tragically passed away just before the NEET-UG exam, which highlights the perilous mix of extreme academic pressure, neglect of mental health, and unrealistic expectations. Kota, a city renowned for its coaching centers, has seen 14 student suicides this year alone.
Despite numerous warnings, the persistent stressors—high-stakes examinations, intense competition, unregulated coaching practices, and the relentless pressure to achieve guaranteed success—remain largely unaddressed. Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took steps against several coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair practices, as many of these institutions promised top ranks without any substantiation.
These deceptive assurances, coupled with overwhelming pressure, ensnare vulnerable students and anxious parents alike. There is an urgent need for a cultural shift away from the obsession with top ranks. The Rajasthan government’s initiative to introduce a Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Bill is a promising development, and implementing mandatory counseling and aptitude assessments before enrollment could be beneficial; however, effective enforcement is essential.
The 2018 guidelines, intended to provide psychological support and regulate private institutes, appear to have been largely overlooked. Without stringent oversight, the new legislation risks becoming ineffective as well. Parents must reconsider their approach; forcing children into unsuitable career paths or tying their self-worth to academic performance only breeds despair.
Parents must take the time to engage in self-reflection regarding their expectations and pressures placed on their children. Forcing children into unsuitable educational paths or tying their self-worth to academic performance, such as grades and rankings, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. It is crucial for society to stop perceiving students solely as competitors vying for top positions and instead recognize them as unique individuals with their strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, the government has a responsibility to cultivate an environment that provides ample job opportunities for young people in a variety of fields that align with their interests and passions. Ultimately, no exam or academic achievement is worth the sacrifice of a young person’s life or well-being.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
