IIT-JEE & NEET Aren’t Enough!

This article highlights a crucial and often overlooked aspect of India’s rigorous entrance exam culture—its psychological toll on students. Rajasthan’s initiative to establish psychological schools in Kota is indeed a commendable step toward addressing the mental health crisis among students preparing for IIT-JEE & NEET.

1. Addressing Mental Health in Coaching Hubs

• Kota has gained international recognition for its coaching industry but has also become infamous for the rising student suicide rates. A structured psychological support system can help students cope with stress, failure, and parental expectations.
• It would be beneficial if the state government integrates these schools with career counselling services, stress management workshops, and peer support networks.

2. The ‘Dummy School’ Crisis

• The phenomenon of ‘dummy schools’—where students are enrolled in formal schools only on paper while dedicating their time entirely to coaching institutes—has deprived students of holistic development.
• The government must regulate this practice and ensure that students get a balanced education that includes social interaction, emotional intelligence, and life skills.

3. The Myth of Security Through IIT-JEE & NEET

• Many students and parents believe that clearing these entrance exams guarantees financial and social security. However, rapid technological advancements and AI-driven automation are making traditional job security more uncertain.
• Success in life today requires more than just academic excellence. Skills like creativity, adaptability, emotional resilience, and global awareness are now equally important.

4. The Role of AI & Virtualization

• The rise of AI and automation has shifted employment patterns. Many traditional jobs are being replaced or transformed.
• Students need exposure to interdisciplinary learning that combines technology with soft skills, critical thinking, and global perspectives.

5. A Need for a Paradigm Shift in Education

• Educational institutions should integrate 21st-century skills—communication, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability—into their curriculum.
• Policies should focus on reducing fear-based education and creating an ecosystem where students learn for knowledge and personal growth, not just for cracking exams.

Conclusion The Rajasthan government’s initiative is a small but significant step in the right direction. However, real change will come only when parents, schools, and policymakers collectively recognize that education is more than just clearing entrance exams. A well-rounded, emotionally resilient, and adaptable student is better prepared for the uncertainties of the future.