Recently both class 10 and 12 results were announced across Assam, but this year another new development was that the ranking system was removed to keep the examinations healthy and not put students under duress.
While there's merit in the decision to eliminate the ranking system, we can't ignore the importance of marks entirely. Undoubtedly, marks may not hold much significance in the eyes of friends, relatives, or society at large.
However, when aspiring to gain admission to esteemed institutions with stringent cut-off requirements, the value of marks becomes undeniable. In such cases, marks serve as a crucial benchmark, determining one's eligibility for admission into competitive programs.
Despite efforts to downplay their significance, it's evident that marks play a pivotal role in shaping educational trajectories and opening doors to future opportunities.
In a society where educational credentials are often equated with success, it would be naive to dismiss the importance of marks altogether. Whether we agree with it or not, the harsh truth is that many institutions continue to prioritize academic performance as a key determinant for admission, often overlooking the myriad talents and qualities that students possess beyond their grades.
However, the real question we must ask is not whether marks matter, but rather how much importance we should assign to them. While academic achievements undoubtedly open doors to opportunities, they should not serve as the sole measure of an individual's worth or potential.
Our education system must evolve to recognise and celebrate diverse forms of excellence, be it in the arts, sports, or community service.
Moreover, the emphasis on marks should not come at the cost of students' mental and emotional well-being. The pressure to constantly excel academically can take a toll on young minds, leading to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
Healthy competition undoubtedly serves as a catalyst for student growth and achievement. It instils a sense of motivation and drive, pushing individuals to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. When approached in a constructive manner, competition fosters a spirit of innovation, as students are inspired to push boundaries, set higher goals, and continuously improve.
Moreover, it cultivates essential skills such as resilience, perseverance, and teamwork, which are invaluable assets in both academic and real-world settings. By embracing healthy competition, students learn to embrace challenges, celebrate successes, and embrace the journey of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Most of the time, healthy competition serves as a powerful motivator for children, encouraging them to strive for excellence rather than settling for mediocrity. When engaged in friendly competition, students are spurred to explore new interests, conduct independent research, and collaborate with peers, fostering a spirit of curiosity and teamwork.
This drive to excel goes beyond mere compliance with minimum requirements, instilling in children a desire to surpass expectations and pursue ambitious goals. These skills not only benefit them academically but also prepare them for future challenges, whether it be in college admissions, career advancement, or groundbreaking scientific research.
While competition is a natural part of human behaviour and can boost self-esteem when approached in a supportive environment, it becomes detrimental when children feel pressured to compete for external validation or approval.
Hiding behind the factor of competition doesn’t help anyone. From time immemorial, competitions have been a part of our history. Maybe we didn’t have entrance exams in ancient times, but Swyamvara was one of the competitions where the suitors would compete with each other to win the hands of the princess. Take the example of Lord Ram.
If we try to bring some pop culture references, we have Lagaan. Where the farmers fought for their lives in a cricket competition which saved them from paying triple tax. Even though it might sound silly and it only happens in films, the truth is competitions are sometimes necessary to bring out the best in people.
The same goes for students too. I wouldn’t stand for anyone to be competitive at the cost of their mental and physical wellbeing, but be enough to bring out the best version of yourself.
(The author is the IGP (Admn & STF), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)