Chasing Dreams: The pros and cons of competitive exams.

 Competitive Exams

 

 

Exams are a testing time for both students and parents. The word exam produces varied reactions. Some get goosebumps and turn into a bundle of nerves, while others take it in their stride.

Competitive exams take that ‘testing time’ to a whole new level. Competitive exams are usually held for admission to premier institutions like the IITs and IIMs, which are scarce in the country and are considered to be the gateways to a better life.

The preparation for these exams is a long and rigorous process, and they may not always bear the desired fruit.

Kota in Rajasthan is considered to be the IITJEE coaching capital. Arohi Deshpande, the country’s highest-ranked girl candidate in the 2026 IITJEE advanced exam, enjoyed the whole-hearted support of her family when they too shifted base to Kota during those crucial preparation years. Again, not all candidates will have their entire families with them. They would have to rough it out on their own and deal with the stress and pressure.    

 

The Advantages of Competitive Exams

Based on merit

Competitive exams are based purely on merit. The selection is strictly determined by rank and score. Thus, the selection process is objective and transparent. 

Discipline

Preparation for competitive exams helps one lead a disciplined life. The preparation requires consistency, commitment, and effective time management.

Door to opportunities

Success in competitive exams opens windows and doors to numerous opportunities, especially for those coming from modest backgrounds.

 

Sharpens skills and builds resilience

Preparation for competitive exams strengthens brainpower as a candidate tackles questions that require critical thinking and analytical skills. The exams also build resilience by training aspiring candidates to work under pressure.

 

Drawbacks:

 

The pressure factor

Competitive exams can be overwhelming. The pressure to prepare and the pressure to succeed can take a toll on the candidate. Stress, anxiety, and burnout can lead to disastrous consequences as hobbies, social interactions, and well-being are sacrificed.

 

 

Coaching isn’t for everyone

 Everybody may not have the resources to be able to enjoy the privilege of being coached, as the classes are quite expensive.

 

Success is not guaranteed

As the number of candidates taking the exams for a limited number of seats or jobs is large, quite a few lose out, and with repeated failure, one’s confidence may take a beating.

 

Competitive exams are the gateway to myriad opportunities and new worlds. However, they must not be the sole measure of the worth or capability of a person.

While success in the exams is laudable and noteworthy, failure is not to be taken to heart or result in extreme self-inflicted measures. When one door closes, there’s always another opening up.

 

The exams may be a necessity, but they must remain fair and balanced. The candidate must not be under any kind of pressure to succeed. Family expectations or pressure from peers or even the coaching classes may cause undue stress. 

The candidate would do well to answer with an open mind and not beat himself up over any untoward results. 

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