As board exam results flood social media with celebratory posts and comparisons, a quieter crisis often unfolds. Beneath the joy of top ranks and glowing report cards lies an undercurrent of anxiety, self-doubt, and fear. For many students, a marksheet appears to determine not only their academic performance but their self-worth, family pride, and future opportunities.
The increasing emphasis on scores has led to a widespread belief that academic marks define success. Yet, the reality is more complex, calling for a reassessment of how we perceive achievement.
The Deep Roots of Academic Pressure
From early schooling, students are conditioned to believe that academic success is the primary, if not sole, indicator of merit. Exams begin early, ranking is normalised, and top performers are celebrated, reinforcing a narrow system of validation.
This rigid culture takes a toll on young minds. In rare but powerful exceptions, such as a family in Bagalkot celebrating their son despite his Class 10 failure, we see a glimmer of the compassion that education systems desperately need. Acts like these challenge the traditional narrative and emphasise the importance of emotional support over academic success.
Looking Beyond the Marksheet
Academic performance, while important, is only one piece of the puzzle. A student’s true potential cannot be captured in numbers alone. Creativity, communication, leadership, empathy, and curiosity — none of these are reflected in exam scores.
Unfortunately, most school systems and families continue to equate marks with capability, causing unnecessary stress and limiting opportunities for students who may shine in other domains.
The broader question remains: Are we helping children flourish, or are we preparing them only for an academic race?
The Role of Counselling in Student Development
Career and emotional counselling play a vital role in addressing these issues. When introduced early — ideally in middle school — these services equip students with the tools to understand themselves, explore careers aligned with their strengths, and build emotional resilience.
Holistic counselling encourages students to consider:
* Their interests and talents
* Relevant career paths
* Practical academic steps to reach their goals
Emotional guidance helps them manage stress, cope with setbacks, and embrace uncertainty, all of which are essential for long-term well-being.
A Shared Responsibility for Growth
Counselling cannot operate in isolation. Families and schools must actively support a student’s journey by fostering open communication and encouraging exploration beyond textbooks.
Where schools have embedded structured counselling systems, results speak for themselves. Students show greater confidence, lower anxiety, and better clarity about their choices.
Towards a Healthier Education Culture
It’s time to shift from a score-centric mindset to one that values empathy, purpose, and growth. Marksheets are snapshots — not verdicts. Every student deserves a support system that guides them with compassion and clarity before challenges arise, not just in their aftermath.
