Competitive examinations in India serve as a vital gateway to higher education and jobs, offering a merit-based path for millions of students from diverse backgrounds. Without such exams, the admissions process could become arbitrary, favoring those with connections or wealth. The exam system, while imperfect, ensures that talent and hard work are rewarded, regardless of a student's family background.
Proponents argue that the pressure of exams teaches resilience and time management, skills essential for adult life. The real problem is not the exams themselves but the lack of adequate preparation and support systems. Rather than abolishing exams, the focus should be on helping students develop coping strategies and providing mental health resources.
Many students thrive under structured competition. For them, exams are a clear goal that motivates disciplined study. Scrapping the system could leave these students without a fair metric to showcase their abilities. The solution lies in reinforcing the support structure, not removing the challenge.
Additionally, exams are a proven method for selecting candidates in a country with a massive population and limited seats in top institutions. Replacing them with holistic assessments would be logistically complex and potentially subjective. The current system, for all its flaws, remains the most practical way to manage admissions at scale.
What is needed is a balanced approach: retain the exam structure but invest heavily in mental health services, counseling, and awareness campaigns. This would address the tragedy without undermining the merit-based opportunities that exams provide.