Alarm buzzing at 6 am, with half-eaten breakfast and a caffeine shot, running late for the coaching classes. This is the typical morning for countless students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, UPSC, or CAT.
The tender minds endure sacrifices silently with just one hope in their eyes that one day it will be worth it.
But what happens when this underlying exam pressure in students creeps into their vulnerable minds gradually?
The exam pressure expands and eventually causes a devastating consequence.
The Rat Race and Coaching Culture
In earlier times, any educational centre’s primary goal was to uplift a student academically has now sadly been reduced to making money. The booming coaching industry has turned competitive exam preparation into a profitable business where toppers are bought and advertised. Those who genuinely need help are often overlooked and are left to feel like failures.
You pay the hefty fees and become part of the rat race, where people begin to see you as competitors with feelings of jealousy in their hearts and fake smiles on their faces; nobody is really your friend. On top of this, coaching picks the student who could fetch them the rank they want to scale their business.
Quiet Mental Health Battles
Sitting over the study desk for hours and yet seeing no significant improvement can lead students to question their calibre and put them through panic attacks. Situation worsens as the syllabus moves fast, and the student juggles between catching the pace with the teacher and doing well in mock tests.
Issues like insomnia, anxiety, and immense fear start to build, and the student ends up feeling helpless and stuck.
For more in-depth tips on managing exam anxiety, check out the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s guide on test anxiety.
The Weight of Expectations
The exam stress in students is not primarily driven due to competition but is rooted in the weight of expectations, which begins at home. Parents unknowingly project their own unfulfilled dreams onto their children, creating unnecessary pressure and comparing them to others. Relatives with their constant invasive questions: “What attempt is this?”, “What was your rank?” words which seem small but hit hard. And the expectation the student has from himself/herself bangs constantly in their heads. They somewhere know they are giving the prime years and humongous pay to coaching, clearing the exam becomes the only goal of their lives, which, if not taken positively, messes up with their mental peace.
Dealing with FOMO
The tag of an ‘aspirant’ takes away every hobby of the student. They give up on everything that gave them joy just to make themselves part of the rat race. They sacrifice their friendships for the pursuit of a single seat. Watching their friends go to college and having fun while they are still stuck with those NCERTs makes them feel left behind, known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), which gradually takes a toll on their mental health.
All of this pressure and fear of missing out can make you feel stuck and alone. The good news? Even in the toughest exam season, you’ve got real, simple steps at your fingertips to care for yourself and keep moving forward.
Measures For Keeping Your Mental Sanity during Your Preparation
Indulge in Meditation and Breathing Exercises
Make sure you take out 30 minutes from your hectic schedule for yourself. Meditation or simple breathing exercises as the day begins will rejuvenate you and your mind.
Prioritise your Physical Health
Eat a well-balanced diet, and do any physical activity, even a small walk. Also, stay hydrated.
Taking Breaks and Good Sleep
Get an adequate amount of sleep, ideally 7-8 hours, to avoid burnout. Short naps and breaks are not time wastage but can actually boost your performance.
Reward Yourself
Celebrate your small wins and move forward. Don’t be harsh on yourself during setbacks.
Time Management
Divide your day into slots and study, taking regular breaks. This will help you in keeping track of your time, and you’ll manage to take time for your hobbies and other personal chores.
Don’t Cut off Yourself Completely
You need to be focused during your preparation, but that doesn’t mean locking yourself completely. Connect to your friends and people at times so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re feeling completely lost and overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to seek help and open up to people who are there to help you.
You Are More Than Any Exam or Rank
If you put a fish on a tree, will it ever fly? Likewise, sometimes we keep trying for things that we are not made for and keep punishing ourselves. But the day we truly discover where our potential lies, we can achieve great heights.
Therefore, to every student, parent, or educator reading this, know that there is not just one path to success.
There’s no single exam that defines your worth.
And if something feels too heavy. Talk to someone. Share your feelings. Ask for help. Know that your life is always above ranks and scores.
Know that you are not alone, and you never have to be.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help
If you are feeling persistently low, overwhelmed, or anxious, reach out to a Therapist. We are here to help you sort through your emotions, reframe your thoughts, and find clarity.
Taking help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.
And know that:
Healing begins when you acknowledge your feelings.