The Rising Pressure of 10th and 12th Board Exams: A Growing Concern

The Rising Pressure of 10th and 12th Board Exams: A Growing Concern

Dr. Priti Sharma (Assistant Professor English) FORE Academy of Management Education(FAME)

Board exams in classes 10 and 12 have long been considered a turning point in a student’s academic journey. However, the immense pressure associated with these exams has led to growing concerns about students’ mental and emotional well-being. With rising competition, parental expectations and career anxieties, many students find themselves struggling to cope with the stress of performing well.

The Burden of Expectations

In countries like India, board exams are often seen as a defining moment that determines future opportunities. Parents, teachers and society at large place enormous expectations on students to secure high marks, believing that these scores are the gateway to prestigious colleges and successful careers. This mind-set often leads to undue stress and anxiety, making students feel as if their entire future depends on a single set of exams.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

The pressure to excel takes a toll on students’ mental health. Anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common among students preparing for board exams. Many experience feelings of self-doubt, fear of failure, and extreme stress, leading to emotional breakdowns. In extreme cases, the burden of expectations has led to tragic incidents of self-harm and suicide, highlighting the urgent need for mental health awareness.

Physically, long hours of study, irregular sleep patterns and unhealthy eating habits contribute to fatigue, headaches, and other health issues. The lack of relaxation and recreational activities further worsens students’ overall well-being.

A Need for Change

While academic performance is important, it is crucial to shift the focus from rote learning to conceptual understanding and skill development. Schools and parents must encourage a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of overall growth rather than just marks.

– Mental Health Support: Schools should introduce counselling programs and stress-relief activities to help students manage exam anxiety.

– Parental Encouragement: Parents should create a supportive environment, reassuring students that their worth is not defined by their exam scores.

-Healthy Study Habits: Students should adopt effective time management strategies, take breaks, and engage in activities that help relieve stress, such as meditation, sports, and creative pursuits.

Board exams are an important milestone, but they should not come at the cost of a student’s well-being. A supportive ecosystem that values learning over mere marks can help students navigate this phase with confidence. As a society, we must recognize that success is not measured solely by numbers on a report card but by knowledge, skills, and personal growth.