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NEET, JEE & Mental Health: Are We Sacrificing Minds For Ranks?

The pressure to succeed in India’s competitive educational system has been growing steadily, especially when it comes to entrance exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). These exams are seen as the gateways to the most prestigious universities, and the promise of a better future often hinges on one’s performance. However, the intense preparation and pressure to perform in these exams have raised serious concerns about their impact on mental health, especially among students. Are we compromising the mental well-being of young minds in our quest for academic achievement and rankings?



NEET and JEE are seen as two of the most challenging exams in the country. Every year, millions of students participate in the hope of securing a seat in medical or engineering colleges. The exams are not just a test of knowledge but a reflection of years of rigorous preparation. Students spend countless hours in coaching classes, attending school, and preparing for these exams, often at the cost of their emotional and mental well-being. The competition is intense and intimidating, and the fear of failure can be overwhelming. This immense pressure can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicide. The education system places an immense emphasis on performance, often neglecting the fact that students are not machines designed to churn out perfect results. From a very young age, students are told that their worth is determined by their academic achievements. This narrative is particularly evident in the context of NEET and JEE. Students are led to believe that their entire future depends on the outcome of these exams, and the thought of failure becomes unbearable.The overwhelming fear of failure frequently results in heightened stress, sleep deprivation, and burnout.


This academic stress affects students' mental health, and as a result affects their physical health too. The long hours of studying, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits take a toll on their bodies. Students frequently skip meals, stay up late, and neglect exercise, all of which lead to exhaustion and other health issues. This unhealthy lifestyle can exacerbate mental health problems, leading to a vicious cycle of stress, fatigue, and declining well-being. Parents and society also play a significant role in perpetuating this pressure. In many families, there is a deep-rooted belief that success in exams like NEET and JEE guarantees a successful future. Parents, often with the best of intentions, put immense pressure on their children to perform well, believing that it will lead to a bright future. However, this pressure can become overwhelming, as students feel they are not only competing with their peers but also trying to meet the high expectations of their parents.


This culture of perfectionism and competition has serious consequences. Many students, unable to cope with the stress, experience a decline in mental health. Anxiety becomes a constant companion, with students spending sleepless nights worrying about their future. For some, the fear of failure can become so intense that it leads to feelings of worthlessness and depression. Students may also experience feelings of isolation, as they become consumed by the need to perform and cannot find time for socializing or pursuing hobbies. This lack of emotional support and personal fulfillment can further contribute to mental health issues. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the mental health crisis among students preparing for NEET, JEE, and other competitive exams. Several students have tragically taken their own lives due to the pressure. This has sparked a nationwide conversation about the need to change the way we approach education and competition. It is clear that something needs to be done to address the mental health crisis among students, especially those preparing for high-stakes exams.


One of the key issues is the lack of mental health support in schools and coaching centers. Many students find themselves in a pressure cooker environment with little to no emotional support. Coaching centers, which have become an integral part of exam preparation, often focus solely on academics, ignoring the emotional and psychological needs of students. Schools, too, place immense pressure on students to perform, without providing adequate mental health resources. As a result, students are left to deal with their stress and anxiety on their own, which can lead to severe mental health problems. To address this issue, there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way we approach education. The focus should not solely be on academic achievement but also on the overall well-being of students. Schools and coaching centers should prioritize mental health and provide counseling services, stress management workshops, and emotional support to students. It is essential to teach students how to manage stress, set realistic goals, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This would not only help students perform better but also ensure that their mental and emotional needs are being met.


Parents, too, have a crucial role to play in supporting their children through the pressures of competitive exams. Instead of focusing solely on academic success, parents should encourage their children to pursue their passions and take time for self-care. It is important to recognize that a student’s worth is not determined by their performance in a single exam but by their overall growth and development as an individual. By fostering a supportive environment at home, parents can help reduce the pressure their children face and provide the emotional security they need during this stressful time. Furthermore, it is important for society to recognize the value of mental health and well-being. Success should not be defined solely by academic achievements or ranks but by the ability to live a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life. There needs to be a broader cultural shift that values mental health and well-being as much as academic success. Only then can we begin to create an education system that nurtures not just intellectual growth but also emotional and psychological well-being.


In conclusion, the intense pressure associated with exams like NEET and JEE has a significant impact on the mental health of students. The focus on ranks and academic success is often at the cost of emotional well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, even suicide. It is time to recognize that a healthy mind is just as important as a good rank. By prioritizing mental health, providing emotional support, and creating a balanced environment, we can ensure that students succeed not just in exams but in life. Let’s shift the narrative from sacrificing minds for ranks to nurturing minds for a brighter, healthier future.


Written by: Neharika Chhabria



January, 2026

 
 
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