Competitive Exams: The Silent Struggles of Aspirants

By Shahi Shahbaz

In the quiet hours before dawn, countless students sit hunched over their desks, eyes strained and hearts heavy with hope. They dream of a future where their hard work and sacrifice bear fruit, where their names are etched in the annals of success. Yet, as the results of NEET and other competitive exams are unveiled, a familiar and disheartening spectacle unfolds, leaving many in the shadows of their dreams.

When the results of NEET or any other competitive exam are announced, a predictable yet disheartening spectacle unfolds. Coaching centers across the country scramble to claim the toppers as their own. It’s as if these young achievers are prized trophies in a relentless game of marketing. These institutions vie to plaster the faces of the successful few across banners and advertisements, each one boasting, “This is our student.” In some ludicrous cases, a single topper is claimed by a dozen coaching centers. How can one student be a product of twelve different institutions? The mystery remains unsolved.

This blatant display of ownership overshadows the grim reality faced by countless others. These very coaching centers that parade their successes so brazenly are often the same ones that deny students entry to classes over delayed fee payments. Students sacrifice sleep, social lives, and countless other aspects of their well-being in the hope of success. Family pressure mounts, and the world outside becomes a distant dream as they immerse themselves in relentless preparation. When results are finally declared, these credit stealers emerge from the shadows, eager to bask in the reflected glory of any student who might have attended even a single demo class with them.

I pose a question to these credit stealers: Who will claim responsibility for the students left behind in this race? Who will acknowledge the failures? In a batch of 300 NEET aspirants, perhaps only 10 make it through. What about the remaining 290? These students, too, poured over your notes, relied on your study materials, and trusted your promises. Who will own them? Who will stand by the student who pinned their hopes on your posters, only to be disillusioned when they didn’t succeed?

This is not just a phenomenon confined to the commercial world of coaching centers. In our personal lives too, success attracts relations from the woodwork. When someone tops or gets selected, distant relatives emerge, claiming close bonds. But when one fails, even the closest relatives pretend ignorance or disown them altogether.

Celebrating the success of two is easy; embracing the failure of 290 is an act of courage. The failure crushes a student’s self-confidence, shakes their belief in themselves, and leaves them to grapple with societal and familial pressures alone. The extent of their suffering is known only to them and their creator. Amidst the blaring advertisements and self-congratulatory promotions, a little compassion for the failures would go a long way. These students, more than anyone, need encouragement and support.

Perhaps, if you extend a hand of empathy towards these students, placing a gentle, comforting hand on their shoulders, it could instill in them the courage to try again. In the cutthroat world of competitive exams and commercialized education, a touch of humanity could make all the difference. Take care of the failures as well; they need it the most.

When a student fails to achieve the desired rank, the world around them seems to shrink into a dark, suffocating void. The dreams they harbored, the hours they burned under the harsh glow of their study lamps, all seem to vanish in an instant. The walls of their room, once adorned with motivational quotes and revision schedules, now echo with the silence of their unspoken fears and insecurities. Their eyes, once bright with hope, now brim with the heavy burden of disappointment. Who stands by these students in their darkest hour? Who reassures them that their worth is not defined by a rank or a score?

Families, too, bear the silent brunt of this failure. Parents who have invested not just financially, but emotionally, face the daunting task of comforting their child while grappling with their own shattered hopes. They must find words to bridge the gap between their child’s effort and the unforgiving reality of failure. The dining table conversations become tinged with unspoken sadness, and the home, which once resonated with laughter and dreams, turns into a sanctuary of subdued whispers and quiet tears. It is in these moments that the true strength of a family is tested. It is here that unconditional love and support can rebuild what the harsh world has tried to tear down.

To the students who didn’t make it, remember that failure is not the end, but a beginning cloaked in harsh lessons. Your journey is not defined by this one moment but by the resilience you show in rising again. Take heart in knowing that the path you walk now, though steep and rocky, will lead you to a place of greater understanding and strength. Believe that amidst the crowd of success stories, your story of perseverance, courage, and indomitable spirit is the one that will truly inspire. 

I request the coaching centers and society to broaden their vision. Beyond the glitter of top ranks and success stories, let’s look at the untold narratives of struggle and resilience. Acknowledge those who faltered, for their journey is paved with the same effort and dedication. In a world obsessed with success, let’s not forget to offer a hand to those who need it the most. Your words of encouragement, your acknowledgment of their effort, and your belief in their potential can light up the path they need to tread. Embrace the failures; they are the silent warriors who, with a little support, can rise to unimaginable heights.

• The author can be reached at [email protected]

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