In Guwahati, students face a daunting challenge juggling academics and coaching classes, raising concerns among parents and educators
GUWAHATI: Guwahati is bustling in terms of an educational institute growth, with the foundation of a number of prestigious and well known brands providing coaching for competitive exams. With this, a growing number of students and their parents are voicing concerns over the pressures associated with balancing school academics and coaching classes aimed at preparing for competitive exams in medical and engineering fields. The trend of enrolling in coaching centres, often tied with elite schools, has raised questions about the financial, emotional, and academic toll on students.
For many students in Guwahati, the daily routine is a rigorous balancing act between school and coaching classes. Speaking to GPlus, a Class 12 student shared the difficulty of this dual burden. "Balancing school and coaching is really hard. We are expected to excel in both, but it feels impossible," admitted the student, who is preparing for medical entrance exams. Her sentiment echoes a common struggle among her peers.
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Parent and Teacher Concerns: Financial and Emotional Strain
Parents are also feeling the strain, both financially and emotionally. "These coaching centres tied with schools are draining our pockets. We are spending so much extra on these classes, hoping our children will qualify for medical or engineering exams," said Rina Sharma, a concerned parent. The financial burden of these additional classes, which are often exorbitantly priced, adds another layer of stress for families.
Teachers, too, are worried about the impact of this dual pressure on students. "The pressure on students is immense. They are constantly juggling between coaching classes and school academics. It's too much for them to handle," explained, a high school teacher. Teachers observe firsthand the toll that this balancing act takes on students, from declining mental health to burnout and reduced engagement in school activities.
A senior official from the Education Department expressed strong opinions on the issue, urging parents to rethink their investment in these coaching centres. "This is just a business. Parents shouldn't spend money on these rich schools affiliated with coaching centres. They should focus on regular academics instead of skipping classes. If students have time after school, then they can consider coaching," the official said. The message is clear: the focus should be on a solid academic foundation rather than an over-reliance on supplementary coaching.
The official also highlighted the dire consequences of excessive pressure on students. "There shouldn't be pressure from schools on students," the official added. "We've seen many students in Kota committing suicide because of the pressure. This trend is now coming to Guwahati, and it shouldn't happen here." The reference to Kota, a city known for its coaching centres and unfortunately high student suicide rates, serves as a stark warning against replicating such a high-pressure environment in Guwahati.
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The coaching industry in India has seen exponential growth over the past decade, driven by the increasing competition for limited seats in prestigious medical and engineering colleges. In cities like Guwahati, this boom has led to a proliferation of coaching centres, many of which have affiliations with private schools. These centres promise high success rates, often backed by aggressive marketing campaigns that prey on the aspirations and anxieties of parents and students.
The fees for these coaching classes can be exorbitant, ranging from tens of thousands to even lakhs of rupees per year. For many families, this represents a significant financial burden, especially when added to the already high costs of private schooling. Despite the financial strain, many parents feel compelled to invest in these classes, believing they are essential for their children's success in competitive exams.
However, GPlus tried to contact few coaching centres but they didn't respond.
The coaching industry in India has seen exponential growth over the past decade, driven by the increasing competition for limited seats in prestigious medical and engineering colleges. In cities like Guwahati, this boom has led to a proliferation of coaching centres, many of which have affiliations with private schools. These centres promise high success rates, often backed by aggressive marketing campaigns that prey on the aspirations and anxieties of parents and students.
The fees for these coaching classes can be exorbitant, ranging from tens of thousands to even lakhs of rupees per year. For many families, this represents a significant financial burden, especially when added to the already high costs of private schooling. Despite the financial strain, many parents feel compelled to invest in these classes, believing they are essential for their children's success in competitive exams.
The dual demands of school and coaching leave little room for rest, recreation, or personal development. Many students report feeling perpetually exhausted and stressed, with little time for hobbies, sports, or socializing. This relentless focus on academics can lead to burnout, a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion.
However, a psychologist, speaking anonymously to GPlus, said, "No one should be pressured like this. The constant pressure is harmful and won't lead to happiness. Parents and schools need to focus more on students' mental health."