In India, competitive exams have become a major source of stress for students, often overshadowing the true purpose of learning. Instead of testing understanding and skills, many exams focus on memorization and speed, creating pressure that affects mental health.
Isn’t education supposed to be about curiosity and growth, not just cracking tests? It’s time we rethink how we evaluate students—encouraging creativity, critical thinking and well-being alongside knowledge.
What changes do you think can make exams more balanced and less stressful?
5 Likes
True ,There are thousands of students appers for the computerized exam either for job purpose or entrance to the educational institution. Despite knowing the tough competition it’s number of applicants are increasing due to perks and benefits provided after the selection.
Many students can get selection and leads to depression further thinks to end their lives.
As a student, I really feel the pressure of competitive exams.
They often test how fast we remember things, not how well we understand them.
If exams included more creative and practical questions, it would reduce stress and make learning fun.
Education should help us grow, not just compete.
1 Like
Introducing life skills, creativity, and mental health awareness as part of the curriculum and evaluation system
1 Like
This is actually great question @Yashasvini in India exam have only become a major source of Stress, anxiety and even depression.I think their should be Certain changes that can be done in exam like focus on the practical and Skill related questions so that a candidate can feel less stress and can perform well in exam and in this way the candidate can learn more which will help that particular candidate in his/her growth .
1 Like
a healthy education system values curiosity over cramming, and growth over grades. Changing exams won’t be easy but rethinking them is essential if we truly care about the well-being and future of our students.
1 Like
To make competitive exams less stressful for students, the educational institutions under the supervision/support of government should focus more on practical knowledge-based questions rather than complete subjective questions that need to be remembered as a process. Even if it is subjective, the questions should be framed in such a way that a student who knows the concept can answer it and it does not need any bookish pattern to be remembered and written. More project and assignment-based work can be concentrated upon for fair evaluation between students who are only good in theories and students who indeed have practical knowledge related. Sections including analytical and reasoning questions should be included more with subjective questions in any competitive exams, again to ensure a fair assessment. Few important competitive exams that decide promising careers should be carried out twice in a year so that one cannot give up on it easily and it reduces the time-frame that plays a major role in pulling someone who’s suffering from anxiety with doubts, uncertainty and hopelessness about the future. Because a year time frame to reappear for the exam again creates lot of stress in a person. Besides, every competitive exam should include interdisciplinary subjects as well which can give hope to a major number of students (towards clearance of it), even if they are not much good in subjective knowledge.
Its True our Indian education system still lags behind in many ways compared to many other countries.A student invest 2-3 crucial years of their life just preparing for competitive exam , hoping for a stable future ,but even after all this hardwork many face problem.
Sometimes exams gets canceled, sometimes they’re delayed for months and if conducted there are incidents like paper leak , the paper turn to be tough not necessarily to test knowledge to limit selection
The result? students go through stress, anxiety , depression .All because for geting the government job which offer respect and stability.
Why can’t be more transparent and fair, consistent system ? Why aren’t there are enough jobs for graduates .
1 Like
You’re right @Vinayak
Many students take these exams hoping for a better future. But when they don’t get selected, it can lead to sadness and even thoughts of giving up.
It’s important to remember that one exam doesn’t decide your worth. There’s always another chance, another path. You’re not alone — talk to someone, ask for help. Life is always bigger than one result.
You’re absolutely right @prasanthkumar
Many students feel the same way — the pressure is real. Exams often focus too much on memory and speed rather than true understanding. If they included more creative, practical questions, learning would feel more meaningful and less stressful.
“Education should be about growing, exploring and discovering our strengths — not just racing to score higher than others.”
1 Like
Absolutely @dranu1120
Education should prepare us for life not just exams. It’s time our system reflects that.
Yes, that’s a very important point @Abhishek_12
In India, exams have become a big source of stress and anxiety for many students. If exams focused more on practical and skill-based questions, it would really help. Students would feel less pressure and could learn in a more meaningful way. It’s not just about marks — it’s about real growth and learning that stays with you for life.
1 Like
Absolutely true @Yash1612
Grades are not everything — real growth matters more. Changing exams might take time but it’s important if we truly want to support students’ well-being and their future.
1 Like
You’ve said it so well. @Nikita21
Many students start feeling like their worth depends only on ranks or marks, which is heartbreaking. Education should build confidence, not take it away. We need a system that values how students think, not just how fast they recall facts. Mental health support in schools shouldn’t be optional anymore — it’s a must.
Exams should guide students toward their dreams not make them feel broken.
You’ve shared a very honest and thoughtful view @dripsitapujari
To reduce stress, exams should focus more on understanding and practical knowledge, not just memorizing. Questions should be clear and based on concepts, so students don’t feel pressured to write in a set pattern.
Projects and reasoning-based sections can help show different strengths. Holding big exams twice a year would also ease the pressure and give students more chances.
Adding a mix of subjects can give hope to many even if they’re not strong in one area. Exams should support students, not break them.
1 Like
You’re right @anjali_pharma
Students spend years preparing for exams, hoping for a stable future but face delays, leaks and unfair papers. This causes a lot of stress and anxiety.
We need a fair, transparent system and more job opportunities so students don’t suffer for a broken system.
1 Like
This is what i also believe @Tejaswini.V the biggest change I believe in is removing reservation based on category, especially when the syllabus and education standards are the same for all. If support is needed it should come in the form of scholarships or extra help—not by lowering cutoffs or compromising merit.
I’ve seen friends from SC, ST and OBC backgrounds who struggled with the knowledge, while others who worked hard missed out because of reservation policies. Education should focus on true learning and building confidence to solve problems practically, not just on quotas. Merit and fairness should guide the system so everyone gets a real chance to succeed.
I think it is mainly because of our education system, that it gives prime emphasis on theoretical knowledge and as a result, the exams also focuses on memorization of conceps rather than practical understanding and skills. It is high time our system gets updated and gives equal importance to both theoretical and practical understanding so that it would balance the stress and anxiety with creative thinking during the exams.
1 Like
Totally agree @Fathimath_NA
Our system focuses too much on memorizing not real understanding.
If we balanced theory with practical learning, exams would be less stressful and more meaningful. It’s time to let students learn, not just repeat.