Every year, as board and entrance exams approach, countless students across India face sleepless nights, panic attacks, and overwhelming pressure. Despite their talent and hard work, many young minds crumble under the burden of expectations. Recent reports and surveys show a sharp rise in exam-related stress, anxiety, and even depression among students—especially those preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET. The stress is not just academic; it is emotional, social, and psychological. India, known for producing some of the brightest students, is also witnessing a silent mental health crisis among its youth.
I wanted to write about this issue because exam stress is no longer a seasonal problem—it has become a year-round challenge that affects students across all age groups. As someone who believes that education should build confidence, not fear, I find it alarming that many students now associate exams with anxiety rather than learning. It’s crucial for both schools and parents to recognise the warning signs and take active steps to reduce the pressure. The discussion around mental health in education is growing, but real change will only come when emotional well-being is treated with the same importance as marks and ranks.
The Harsh Reality of Exam Stress in India
Exam stress in India is not a new phenomenon, but its intensity has increased in recent years. With rising competition, parental expectations, and the influence of social media, students feel that their entire future depends on exam scores.
A study by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) revealed that nearly one in four students in India experiences high levels of academic stress. Cities like Kota, known as coaching hubs, have reported alarming rates of student suicides over the years. Many of these students are not struggling academically but emotionally—they fear failure, judgement, or disappointing their parents.
What makes the situation worse is the lack of emotional support within schools. Many students say that they feel like “marks matter more than their well-being.” This mindset is what needs to change.
Why Students Feel Overwhelmed
The causes of exam stress are layered and often interconnected:
- Unrealistic expectations: Many students face pressure to perform exceptionally, regardless of their interests or capabilities.
- Fear of failure: The education system often links self-worth with academic performance, creating an unhealthy mindset.
- Lack of counselling: Most schools still lack trained counsellors who can guide students through emotional or mental distress.
- Parental pressure: Even well-meaning parents may unintentionally add stress by comparing their children to others or by focusing too much on grades.
- Peer competition: Students constantly compare themselves to classmates, which fuels anxiety and low self-esteem.
What Schools Can Do
Schools play a central role in shaping how students approach exams. Instead of treating exams as high-stakes events, schools can make learning more supportive and emotionally balanced.
1. Introduce mental health education:
Schools should integrate sessions on stress management, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness into the curriculum. Awareness can help students understand that stress is natural and manageable.
2. Set up counselling cells:
Every school must have access to qualified counsellors. Counselling should not be limited to crisis situations—it should be a regular part of school life, where students can talk freely about their concerns.
3. Change the exam culture:
Schools can organise mock exams and assessments that focus on learning rather than competition. Teachers should reassure students that marks are only one aspect of success.
4. Encourage creative and physical activities:
Art, sports, and music should be seen as essential, not optional. Activities that relax the mind and body help students balance stress during exam seasons.
5. Train teachers to identify stress signs:
Teachers spend the most time with students and can often notice when a child is withdrawn, anxious, or struggling. With basic mental health training, teachers can provide timely support or referrals.
What Parents Can Do
Parents often have the strongest influence on how children view exams. Their approach can either calm a child or intensify pressure.
1. Focus on effort, not just results:
Appreciating a child’s effort helps build confidence. When parents only praise high marks, students learn to equate love with success, which increases anxiety.
2. Keep communication open:
Encourage children to share their fears and feelings. Listening without judgement or comparison can relieve a lot of emotional burden.
3. Avoid comparisons:
Every child has unique strengths. Comparing siblings or classmates only adds to insecurity. Instead, parents should help children set personal goals and celebrate small achievements.
4. Model calm behaviour:
Children observe how adults handle stress. Parents who stay calm during exam time send a strong message that challenges are a part of life.
5. Provide a healthy environment:
Ensuring proper sleep, nutrition, and study breaks is crucial. A well-rested mind performs far better than an exhausted one.
