“I have dropped for JEE twice. My cut-off for the branch that I am aiming is at least 97 Percentile. I am still working very hard, but I still fear If I don’t clear it this time, everything would be ruined”

-Akash (Kota)

“I gave NEET thrice. Others are able to do it, but I have tried my best yet I am unable to crack. I cannot afford a fee of 20 Lakhs a year. Private Institutions are very costly. Sometimes I feel that all this is useless, yet I have to wake up everyday and prepare for it”

-Manasa (Kota)

Frustrated Students Voice Their Woes

Every year, millions of students face an uphill battle while preparing for some of India’s toughest entrance exams: JEE and NEET. The frustration is real, and it stems from a few key factors that make the whole process overwhelming.

Unrealistically High Ranks and Percentiles

To get into top institutions like IITs, NITs, or AIIMS, students need to score incredibly high. For JEE, some branches require a 97th percentile or higher, while for NEET, a score above 600+ marks is often the minimum.

This means that, despite putting in months or years of hard work, students feel like they are always chasing an ever-elusive goal. The pressure to get that perfect score leaves many wondering, “Is it even possible to get in?

The Tough Syllabus

The syllabus for JEE and NEET is incredibly vast, covering everything from Physics and Chemistry to Mathematics and Biology(for NEET). It’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about mastering difficult concepts and applying them under time pressure.

Years of study can feel like they’re never enough because the exams demand such deep understanding. For many students, even after countless hours of practice, the content feels endless and overwhelming.

This constant battle with the syllabus leaves students exhausted and frustrated, always feeling like they’re not quite ready, no matter how much they study.

Costly Coaching Fees

Another huge source of frustration is the cost of coaching. Many students turn to coaching institutes in places like Kota, which are known for producing top-ranking students. However, these institutes charge high fees—often running in lakhs for a couple of years of preparation.

Not every family can afford such expenses, which makes students feel even more stressed. The financial burden on students and their families can make the journey even more stressful.

Also read – Many Indians Struggle to be Financially Independent

The Toll on Mental Health – What If I Fail?

The combination of unrealistically high expectations, financial strain, and mental exhaustion creates a toxic environment. The pressure to succeed often leads to anxiety and burnout, as students push themselves beyond their limits. Many start to lose confidence in their abilities, believing that they are not smart enough to succeed.

The intense pressure that students face while preparing for exams like JEE and NEET has unfortunately led to a tragic rise in suicides and mental health crises in India. Every year, the stress and anxiety caused by the immense academic pressure, financial burden, and fear of failure push some students to their breaking point.

The constant pressure to score high marks and secure a seat in top institutions creates an environment where failure feels like a personal defeat. For some students, not making it into their dream college or not achieving the desired rank feels like the end of the road, leading them to feel like they have no way out.

Societal Pressure: The Unseen Burden on Students

“Sharma Ji/ Gupta Ji/ Agarwal Ji ke sons and daughters have cracked IIT. I’d love it if you get into IIT as well beta”.

I don’t understand, why do you compare me with neighbors? Your Mama/Chacha’s son gets into IIT – that doesn’t mean I also have to! This comparison has lead to a lot of tiffles in our house. What starts with a small wish turns into a really toxic fight over the days and then all the blame goes on to “kismat” (fate/fortune).

-Aggrieved JEE Student (Bombay)

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In India, the pressure to perform in exams like JEE and NEET is not just academic; it’s deeply rooted in societal expectations. Success in these exams is often seen as a ticket to respect, social status, and a promising career.

Families, friends, and even society place huge pressure on students, equating academic success with personal worth.

When students fail to meet these high expectations, they often feel like they’ve let everyone down. This societal pressure adds an immense emotional burden, making students feel that failure is not an option.

Breaking the Silence: The Need for Change

To truly address the deep-rooted frustration and mental strain of students, we must focus on long-term solutions.

One of the most urgent needs is to increase the number of seats in top institutions like IITs, NITs, and medical colleges. With millions of students competing for a few thousand seats, the chances of securing a place in these institutions are extremely low. By expanding the number of seats available, we can reduce the pressure on students and give more young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

At the same time, there is a critical need to improve the quality of general education across the country. Many students are forced to rely on expensive coaching institutes, but high-quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.

Finally, it’s essential to set a benchmark for quality education in all institutions across the country. This means creating uniform standards that prioritize student well-being, critical thinking, and real-world skills. When students are taught to think creatively and are given the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world, they’ll be better equipped for not only exams but also life beyond them.

By tackling these issues—increasing seats, improving quality of education, and setting standards for institutions—we can create an environment where students feel less pressure and are given a fairer shot at success.

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