16/05/2026
CELEBRATION OR ILLUSION?
RESULT SEASON
The declaration of results for Classes X & XII, JEE (Main & Advanced), and NEET–UG between April and June marks a period of both joy and anguish. While some students celebrate success, others face disappointment. Ironically, schools, junior colleges, parents, and society at large remain fixated on the handful who secure admission into prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIITs, NITs, AIIMS, BHU, and others. For school managements, teachers, parents, and students, this moment brings immense happiness. Yet, have we ever reflected on the validity of this joy? In reality, it is short-lived. Over time, memories fade, and few pause to consider how these students fare after entering IITs or AIIMS. How many struggle with backlogs, how many drop out, how many compromise, and tragically, how many succumb to despair?
THE ILLUSION OF SUCCESS
Is it the result of JEE or NEET that decides whether the 15-year journey from Nursery to Class XII has been worthwhile? If so, then should we begin preparing children for these competitive exams right from Nursery itself? In that case, why even speak of student centric learning, diverse classrooms, graded assessments, multiple intelligences, constructivism, and other progressive educational philosophies?
THE COACHING TRAP
The time has come for us to stop glorifying certain subject areas while neglecting others. We must respect the diversity of learners and embrace failure, recognizing it as an essential step in preparing children to face future challenges. Strict measures should be taken against coaching centres where students succumb to despair. I deeply appreciate the efforts of Board in disaffiliating schools that sponsor students for Class XII examinations even though those students do not attend school and spend their time exclusively in coaching centres. However, this initiative must be pursued with greater intensity and without bias toward any particular group of institutions.
A CALL TO EDUCATORS
Leave aside comparisons with others; as educators and school leaders, let us commit ourselves to the mission of nurturing a generation of diverse learners — learners who will carry the vision of transforming Bharat into a global knowledge superpower.