Crushed by society- The Hidden Cost of India’s Education Obsession

The education system in India, while often praised for producing brilliant minds and contributing to the country’s global reputation, has a darker side that reveals deep-rooted flaws and challenges.

Based on widely recognized concern on the overwhelming pressure on students to perform academically. 

From a young age, children face intense competition to secure high marks in exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical studies. This pressure is amplified by societal expectations and parental aspirations, often pushing students into a cycle of stress, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, mental health crises. The focus on rote memorization over critical thinking or practical skills leaves many students unprepared for real-world challenges, despite their academic success on paper.

another sad aspect of the Indian society is the patriarchal of Gender biasdnes towards girl child, in rural area most of the time, a girl child are push towards household chores, while a male child is encouraged to pursue schools, though the imbalance of choice could be seen  in both the society where a female child is considered "others wealth" and face an immense pressure of  marriage through out her educational period, while a male child are prioritised to pursue their dream and bring honor to the family.

Another dark aspect is the stark inequality in access to quality education. Urban areas boast well-funded private schools and coaching centers, while rural regions often struggle with under-resourced government schools lacking basic infrastructure like proper classrooms, sanitation, or qualified teachers. though Delhi, in past year systematically focused  on uprooting the education system, other state in the country fall behind the disparity perpetuates a cycle of poverty as the reason for failed system and the amount of marginalized communities are denied the tools to compete on an equal footing. Even in urban settings, the commercialization of education—through expensive private institutions and coaching classes—makes quality learning inaccessible to many, turning education into a privilege rather than equal right to education.

The system’s outdated structure also draws criticism. Rooted in a colonial framework designed to produce obedient workers rather than innovative thinkers, it emphasizes cramming facts over fostering creativity or problem-solving. Subjects and syllabi often remain disconnected from modern industry needs, leaving graduates unemployable despite years of study. The lack of individualized learning further stifles students with unique talents or interests, forcing them into a rigid, one-size-fits-all mold.Mental health is a silent casualty of this system.

[Old rajendra nagar]

The relentless pursuit of grades, coupled with the stigma of failure, has led to alarming rates of student burnout and, tragically, suicides. Places like Kota old Rajendra Nagar, mukherjee nagar- a hub for coaching centers, aloka who was preparing upsc in old Rajendra Nagar died of suicide with left note-

 “I am sorry Mummy Papa. I am really fed up with life now, and there are just problems and issues with no peace. I need peace. I tried every possible way to get rid of this so-called depression, but I can’t overcome it. My only dream was UPSC in first attempt from then only. I am being so unstable all knows it,”

 The immense pressure from the  education system became the synonymous with the crisis, where young students buckle under the weight of expectations. The absence of adequate counseling or support systems in most institution only deepens this problem.

Corruption adds another layer of dysfunction. Scandals involving exam paper leaks, bribery for admissions, and fake degrees erode trust in the system. These incidents not only undermine meritocracy but also disproportionately harm honest students from less privileged backgrounds who can’t afford to buy their way and the only thing that left is to fight for their rights-A recent case of paper leak allegation in bihar led to student protest 

demanding the cancellation of the BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) 70th Integrated CCE- Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination  2024.

 [Bihar bpsc protest]

Finally, the overemphasis on a narrow set of career paths—engineering, medicine, or government jobs—limits students’ horizons. Fields like arts, sports, or vocational skills are often undervalued, sidelining potential talent and reinforcing a conformist mindset.

In short, while India’s education system has strengths, its dark side—marked by pressure, inequality, outdated priorities, mental health neglect, corruption, and a lack of diversity—calls for urgent reform. A shift toward holistic, inclusive, and practical learning could help address these issues, but change remains slow.