One of the daunting tasks that has taken a wrong turn is the grade system. It is a nightmare for students and is further worsened by the infinite expectations of parents who are obsessed with grade theory.
Teachers who work to improve the quality of creativity have, as a matter of fact, the fewest takers. This chasm between parents and teachers can never be filled when a child in between is being crushed beyond repair. Building up academic pressures can in no way yield better fruits; instead, a human being will certainly be reduced to a reservoir of information.
What Causes Academic Pressure?
The pressure to succeed academically doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it is the result of our society working together to create a significant issue. One of the most significant contributors is the expectations of parents and relatives. Here in India, education is seen as the key to escaping poverty or gaining social status; children grow up believing that failure is not an option. They are often told that their future depends entirely on their grades, creating a constant fear of disappointing their parents and often leading to depression or suicidal thoughts. Then there’s the education system itself. Most school systems are built around standardized testing, competition, and rigid performance metrics. Students are judged based on numbers and memorization, not their individual talents or passions. They focus on measurable success, which often ignores creative and critical skills, adding to the competitive nature of schools. Here in India, society values academic achievement dangerously; for instance, doing well in school is tied to family honor and social respect. Failing can bring shame not just to the student but to the whole family.
We also can’t ignore the role of social media and peer pressure. Students today are constantly bombarded with posts of peers getting top marks, entering prestigious Ivy Leagues, or winning national-level awards. This leads to a toxic community and a feeling of not being “good enough”, even when they’re doing their best.
The Impact of this on Students’ Mental Health
The effects of academic pressure are extreme. This is the mental health crisis that many students are facing. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are alarmingly common, particularly among high school and college students. The fear of not qualifying for competitive exams, such as the JEE and NEET, is a constant cause of stress for the majority of students.
Students under immense stress often suffer from sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, and weakened immune systems, all of which impact their overall health. Many also engage in unethical practices like cheating or plagiarism just to keep up, not because they don’t care, but because they feel trapped and judged based on academics. Beyond mental and physical health, academic pressure can also damage students socially. The constant need to study and perform leaves little room for friendship, relaxation, or extracurricular activities/sports. Some students begin to isolate themselves, while others engage in illegal activities or conflict with parents or peers due to stress and mood swings. Perhaps in the worst-case scenario, academic pressure can crush curiosity and creativity. When learning becomes just a rat race to get good grades, students stop enjoying the process of discovery and learning. They may start to fear failure so much that they avoid taking risks, asking questions, or trying new things.
Why Is this More Than a Personal Problem?
Not being able to get good grades is often treated as a personal struggle—something that a student must manage with better time management or a more positive mindset. However, looking at it thoroughly, it becomes clear that this is a collective issue tied to deeper social structures. For one, academic success is often tied to class. Students from wealthier families have access to tutors, private schools, and better educational resources that give them an unfair advantage. Meanwhile, students from underprivileged backgrounds are left trying to compete on an uneven playing field. The obsession with academic success also reflects the influence of capitalism. In many societies, people are judged by their productivity and qualifications. This creates the ideology that if you don’t score well, you are not fit for this society. It’s no surprise, then, that students feel like they’re not just studying for a test—they’re fighting for a place in society. I recently read a book by Chetan Bhagat, “Revolution 2020,” which talks about how competitiveness caused two friends to become arch enemies, potentially destroying the students’ future lives.
The good news is that change is possible. To reduce academic pressure, we need a change in our mindset. Schools can start by adopting holistic education models that focus not just on academic subjects but also on emotional intelligence, creativity, and collaboration. Parents can play a huge role by emphasizing effort and growth over results and by reassuring their children that their worth is not defined by grades.
Finally, as a society, we need to ponder: Is it really just about university degrees, or about well-being, passion, and purpose?
Conclusion
Academic pressure is more than just a personal challenge—it is a mirror reflecting how our societies value competition, success, and self-worth. If we want to nurture healthier, happier, and more balanced individuals, we must address the root causes of this pressure and work together to build an educational system—and a culture—that supports students, not just tests them.
By: Mohammad Rizwan Aalam 9th Jade