Gen Z
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Gen Z: Thriving Under Exam Pressure
By Deepak Khairha (IRAS)
Dear Students,
As we all know, once you enter Class 12, the pressure to crack competitive entrance exams such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, or CUET begins to mount. Students are often expected to succeed in these exams so that they can one day become doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, or experts in their chosen fields. Students face numerous challenges and pressures during the two years they dedicate to preparing for competitive entrance examinations.
When you prepare for competitive exams, you often face immense pressure from multiple sources. This pressure manifests in various forms and significantly impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Understanding these pressures can help you manage them better and help you prepare with more ease.
Academic Pressure from Coaching Classes
One of the primary sources of pressure for you is the academic load from coaching classes. The sheer volume of books, daily notes, and reference materials can be overwhelming. The pace of teaching in coaching centres is usually much faster than in regular schools, forcing you to extend your study hours significantly. This academic pressure is unavoidable in your life, and you must adapt to this rigorous schedule without considering the burden. Yes, the burden will be there, and it is okay if you miss a few days of work. Maintaining your calm and composure is a must for you.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure creates another significant stress. Not all of you have the same aptitude; this disparity becomes evident in coaching classes. The constant comparison with peers who may perform better can create tremendous stress. When friends succeed in exams, it amplifies the pressure to match or exceed their achievements. Focus on competing with yourself to alleviate this undue pressure, which can help you relax and perform better in tests and final exams. Remember, you have to improve just 1% daily. That’s it.
Aspiring for Top Colleges and Courses
Many of you aim to get admission in the best colleges and courses, such as IIT Mumbai for Engineering, AIIMS for Medical studies, or NLU Bangalore for law. Initially, you might be unwilling to compromise on these dreams. However, as time passes and you understand your actual ranking, be prepared with a Plan B. Setting realistic targets based on your aptitude and talent is crucial, as unrealistic goals can lead to depression and frustration.
Societal and familial expectations can be particularly challenging to handle. Questions about exam results and comparisons with others can feel like an emotional assault. It is the most dangerous among all pressures and is very difficult to handle too. The best way to manage this pressure is to ignore such comments or, if necessary, firmly but politely ask others to mind their own business. You need not worry about how much ‘Sharma ji ka beta’ scored. Building a thick skin and maintaining a focus on your personal goals are essential.
Sibling Pressure
Sibling rivalry can also contribute to the pressure you feel. If an older sibling excels academically, you may feel compelled to achieve similar or better results. Conversely, if a younger sibling performs outstandingly, you might study under pressure to maintain your standing. Remember that each individual has unique talents and should not compare themselves to others, even within their own family. Don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Even in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas were five brothers, each with unique talents that were incomparable to one another.
Parental Pressure
Parental expectations are a common source of stress. Your parents often want you to excel in entrance exams for prestigious fields like Medical or Engineering, sometimes projecting their aspirations onto you. This can lead you to pursue paths you are not passionate about. It’s crucial for your parents to recognise your interests and aptitude and support you in choosing a career that aligns with your strengths and passions. Your well-being and happiness should take precedence over societal or familial expectations. Remember, your life is more precious than the future in a specific area.
Understanding and managing these pressures is important as you prepare for competitive exams. By focusing on your own goals, setting realistic targets, and seeking support from your parents and peers, you can deal with and overcome these challenges more effectively while maintaining your mental and emotional health.
(These views expressed by an IRAS officer in the Railways. The Bureaugram.com does not buy his views. The author can be contacted through his email Id: deepak_khairha@yahoo.com)
Dear Students,
As we all know, once you enter Class 12, the pressure to crack competitive entrance exams such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, or CUET begins to mount. Students are often expected to succeed in these exams so that they can one day become doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, or experts in their chosen fields. Students face numerous challenges and pressures during the two years they dedicate to preparing for competitive entrance examinations.
Sometimes, such pressures lead to depression among students, and in extreme cases, some students take the tragic step of ending their own lives. Such incidents have been reported with particular frequency in Kota, a major coaching hub for competitive examination preparation. With the objective of reducing the incidence of depression and suicide among students, this Gen Z column presents a range of valuable suggestions and coping strategies. The mission is not only to enhance students' examination scores but also to foster a healthy mindset through effective study habits, time-management techniques, and stress-management strategies. By following these approaches, students can achieve academic success while maintaining their mental well-being.
Academic Pressure from Coaching Classes
One of the primary sources of pressure for you is the academic load from coaching classes. The sheer volume of books, daily notes, and reference materials can be overwhelming. The pace of teaching in coaching centres is usually much faster than in regular schools, forcing you to extend your study hours significantly. This academic pressure is unavoidable in your life, and you must adapt to this rigorous schedule without considering the burden. Yes, the burden will be there, and it is okay if you miss a few days of work. Maintaining your calm and composure is a must for you.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure creates another significant stress. Not all of you have the same aptitude; this disparity becomes evident in coaching classes. The constant comparison with peers who may perform better can create tremendous stress. When friends succeed in exams, it amplifies the pressure to match or exceed their achievements. Focus on competing with yourself to alleviate this undue pressure, which can help you relax and perform better in tests and final exams. Remember, you have to improve just 1% daily. That’s it.
Aspiring for Top Colleges and Courses
Many of you aim to get admission in the best colleges and courses, such as IIT Mumbai for Engineering, AIIMS for Medical studies, or NLU Bangalore for law. Initially, you might be unwilling to compromise on these dreams. However, as time passes and you understand your actual ranking, be prepared with a Plan B. Setting realistic targets based on your aptitude and talent is crucial, as unrealistic goals can lead to depression and frustration.
Society and Relatives’ Pressure
Societal and familial expectations can be particularly challenging to handle. Questions about exam results and comparisons with others can feel like an emotional assault. It is the most dangerous among all pressures and is very difficult to handle too. The best way to manage this pressure is to ignore such comments or, if necessary, firmly but politely ask others to mind their own business. You need not worry about how much ‘Sharma ji ka beta’ scored. Building a thick skin and maintaining a focus on your personal goals are essential.
Sibling Pressure
Sibling rivalry can also contribute to the pressure you feel. If an older sibling excels academically, you may feel compelled to achieve similar or better results. Conversely, if a younger sibling performs outstandingly, you might study under pressure to maintain your standing. Remember that each individual has unique talents and should not compare themselves to others, even within their own family. Don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Even in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas were five brothers, each with unique talents that were incomparable to one another.
Parental Pressure
Parental expectations are a common source of stress. Your parents often want you to excel in entrance exams for prestigious fields like Medical or Engineering, sometimes projecting their aspirations onto you. This can lead you to pursue paths you are not passionate about. It’s crucial for your parents to recognise your interests and aptitude and support you in choosing a career that aligns with your strengths and passions. Your well-being and happiness should take precedence over societal or familial expectations. Remember, your life is more precious than the future in a specific area.
Understanding and managing these pressures is important as you prepare for competitive exams. By focusing on your own goals, setting realistic targets, and seeking support from your parents and peers, you can deal with and overcome these challenges more effectively while maintaining your mental and emotional health.
(These views expressed by an IRAS officer in the Railways. The Bureaugram.com does not buy his views. The author can be contacted through his email Id: deepak_khairha@yahoo.com)
