Students, parents, and educators in Guwahati have different perspectives on the issue, but most agree that the pressure has been mounting over the years
In February 2024, a Class 12 student from a private school in Guwahati was found dead at his residence in Chandan Nagar, Survey area, just a day before his CBSE board exams. Similar incidents were reported throughout the year, raising concerns about the increasing academic pressure on students in the city.
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In April 2024, a first-year Higher Secondary student from Cotton University passed away. In June, a Class XI Commerce student from a private school in Satgaon collapsed during exams and later died. These incidents highlight the challenges students face due to demanding schedules and high expectations.
These instances have sparked debates about the challenges students in Guwahati face due to rigorous academic expectations and the pressure to perform well in board exams, which are often seen as stepping stones to careers in medicine, engineering, and other competitive fields.
Voices from the Ground
Students, parents, and educators in Guwahati have different perspectives on the issue, but most agree that the pressure has been mounting over the years.
Talking to GPlus, a student from renowned private school in the city said, “There are exams almost every week, either on Thursdays or Saturdays. This leaves us with no time to rest or focus on other activities. I used to play cricket, but now I rarely get to practice because of the constant exam schedule. Our school doesn’t offer many extracurricular activities either. It feels like our entire focus is just on exams.”
Parents, too, are feeling the strain.
A mother of a Class X student preparing for her board exams shared, “The new exam pattern has created a lot of stress for my daughter. We had to arrange private tuitions because teachers are struggling to adapt to the changes introduced by the government. Earlier, students could refer to previous years’ question papers for preparation, but now, with the shift to concept-based learning, there are no such references. The sudden change has left students and teachers struggling to adapt.”
Talking to GPlus, another parent from Jyotikuchi said, “My son depends entirely on guidebooks and the internet for his studies because his school teachers rely on guidebooks. This is affecting his ability to grasp core concepts, and as a parent, it’s concerning.”
The structure of examinations differs significantly between private and government schools, which adds another layer to the issue. According to Dipika Choudhury, Inspector of Schools, Kamrup (Metro), private schools often conduct frequent exams, which increases the academic load on students.
“In government schools, there are four main exams throughout the year: Unit Test 1, Half-Yearly, Unit Test 2, and the Final Examination. For Class XI students, we also conduct a pre-board examination to prepare them for their finals,” Choudhury explained.
She acknowledged that some private schools conduct weekly or biweekly tests as part of their academic routine, which can be overwhelming for students. “Frequent exams can sometimes put undue pressure on students, especially when combined with additional assignments and projects,” she said.
Choudhury also addressed the issue of guidebooks being used for teaching. “There are instances where teachers rely on guidebooks, which promote rote learning instead of conceptual understanding. This approach hinders students from developing critical thinking skills. For example, last year, there was widespread confusion over the Class X Mathematics exam. Many students claimed it was out of syllabus, but the reality was that the questions were based on concepts outlined in the textbooks. Students who relied solely on guidebooks struggled to answer them.”
Measures to Alleviate Pressure
Recognising the challenges, the education department has introduced several initiatives to reduce exam-related stress among students.
“We are conducting regular workshops for teachers and students to help them understand the new exam patterns and teaching methodologies,” Choudhury said. “Subjects like Mathematics and Science, which require strong conceptual understanding, are given special focus. Programmes are being held to train students to handle multiple-choice questions and problem-solving exercises effectively.”
Additionally, the government has introduced a new role called the District Resource Person (DRP) to address students’ mental and physical well-being. “The DRP conducts one-hour sessions in schools where they teach brain exercises, effective learning techniques, and the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. These sessions aim to help students manage stress and improve their overall academic performance,” she explained.
Government schools have also been directed to limit the use of online study materials during school hours. “Teachers are instructed not to share notes online during school hours to ensure that students focus on classroom learning. However, materials can be shared when schools are closed,” Choudhury added.
She emphasised that tuitions are not necessary for students in government schools, as their teachers are highly qualified.
The Root of the Problem
Despite these efforts, the pressure students face is deeply rooted in the larger education system, which emphasizes exams as the primary measure of success. The competition to secure seats in prestigious institutions and careers leaves little room for students to explore their interests or pursue hobbies.
Many schools, especially private ones, lack a balanced approach to education, focusing almost entirely on academics at the expense of extracurricular activities. This creates a one-dimensional learning environment that can be mentally and physically draining for students.
A Need for Change
A few schools in Guwahati are attempting to introduce changes by incorporating activity-based learning and reducing the frequency of exams. However, these practices are not widespread, and many students continue to struggle under the weight of traditional education systems.
“There is a need for systemic change,” a parent from Chandmari talking to GPlus said, “The education system should focus on nurturing students’ overall potential rather than burdening them with constant assessments. Schools should offer more opportunities for creative and physical activities, which are just as important as academics.”
