During exams, no matter what they are in or for, households in India turn into high-tension zones. Board exams, JEE, NEET, University exams, or UPSC bring a massive wave of anxiety. While a little stress can push a student to study, the intense societal pressure to score high (95% or above) or clear a tough entrance exam can sometimes push young minds into a dark place.
When exam stress spirals into suicidal thoughts, it is a severe crisis that demands immediate attention. In our society, we often tie our entire self-worth to a mark sheet, forgetting that a single test cannot dictate a lifetime.
Here are some dos and don’ts to navigate this difficult time:
Essential Dos
Talk to someone you trust: When your mind feels heavy, speak up. Talk to a close friend, an older sibling, a favorite teacher, or a parent. Sharing your fears instantly takes away half their power. You do not have to fight these overwhelming thoughts alone.
Remember that life is bigger than an exam: India is changing rapidly. Today, there are thousands of career paths that do not require you to be a science or math topper. Many of the most successful and happy people in the country did not clear their dream exams on the first, second, or even third try.
Reach out to a helpline: If you feel you cannot talk to your family because they are the ones expecting too much, call a mental health helpline.
Take a step back and rest: If looking at a textbook makes you feel breathless, panicked, or hopeless, close it immediately. Step out of your room, take a walk on the terrace, or drink a glass of cold water. A brain running on panic cannot retain information anyway.
Crucial Don’ts
Don’t isolate yourself: The worst thing you can do when having dark thoughts is to lock yourself inside your room for hours. Go sit in the living room with your family, even if you are just quietly watching TV or having tea. Keep yourself surrounded by people.
Don’t fall into the comparison trap: It is incredibly common in Indian families to hear things like, “Look at Sharma ji‘s son, he studies for 12 hours a day.” Do not let these comparisons break you. Everyone has a different learning pace, different talents, and a different path to success.
Don’t think of failure as a dead end: Failing an exam or getting a low rank feels like the end of the world right now, but it is just a tiny speed bump in a very long journey. You can always reappear, choose a different stream, or find a completely new passion.
A single exam cannot predict your future. Your life, your smile, and your well-being are infinitely more valuable than any degree, university tag, or entrance rank. If the pressure ever feels too heavy to carry, put the books down, reach out for a hand, and choose to stay. The world needs you, exactly as you are.
Shubhra Atreya
Content Writer
IT Department
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
