Why Does School in India Feel Like a Never-Ending Battle?
Let’s talk about something most Indian students think but rarely say out loud: School here isn’t just tough—it’s soul-crushing. From the moment we step into those uniformed lines at morning assembly to the late-night study sessions fueled by caffeine and fear, the system often feels designed to strip away joy, curiosity, and even our sense of self. If you’ve ever stared at a mountain of textbooks and thought, “Why does this hurt so much?” you’re not alone.
The Grind That Never Stops
Imagine waking up at 5:30 AM to catch a school bus that smells like stale snacks and desperation. You’re barely awake, but the day has already begun. Classes run like clockwork: 45 minutes of rote memorization, followed by a 10-minute break where you’re either finishing homework or being scolded for untucked shirts. After school? Tuitions. Weekends? More tuitions or “personality development” workshops that ironically drain whatever personality you have left.
The Indian education system thrives on repetition, not understanding. We’re trained to recite Newton’s laws verbatim but rarely get to ask, “Why does an apple fall, anyway?” Creativity is treated like a distraction. Art and sports? They’re “extra-curricular,” code for “not important enough.” The message is clear: Your worth depends on your marks, not your mind.
The Invisible Weight of Expectations
Behind every exhausted student is a chorus of voices: “Beta, focus on your studies—everything else can wait.” Parents want us to succeed, but their definition of success is narrow: engineering, medicine, or civil services. Deviate from this script, and you risk becoming the family’s “disappointment.” Teachers, too, are trapped in the system—overworked, underpaid, and pressured to produce top scorers, not critical thinkers.
Then there’s the social shame. Low marks? Get ready for side-eye from relatives and lectures about “wasted potential.” High marks? Now you’re the benchmark others resent. There’s no winning—just surviving.
When Your Body and Mind Say “Enough”
The physical toll is obvious: dark circles, headaches, and a permanent slouch from lugging backpacks heavier than a small child. But the mental toll is worse. Anxiety becomes a constant companion. You lie awake worrying about exams, rankings, and that one chemistry chapter you still don’t get. Hobbies fade. Friendships strain under academic competition. Some days, you look in the mirror and wonder, “Who am I outside of these grades?”
Worst of all, nobody acknowledges the pain. “It’s just a phase,” adults say. “Work hard now; relax later.” But when does “later” come? College? Then comes the race for internships, jobs, promotions… The cycle never ends.
Small Acts of Rebellion (That Won’t Get You Detained)
Surviving this system requires strategy. Here’s the good news: You can reclaim bits of your life without dropping out or burning bridges.
1. Redefine “Productivity”: Study smarter, not longer. Use active recall or mind maps instead of mindlessly rewriting notes. A 45-minute focused session beats 3 hours of distracted scrolling.
2. Find Your People: Connect with classmates who get it. Share frustrations over chai or memes. Sometimes, laughing about the absurdity helps more than crying.
3. Steal Moments for Yourself: Dance in your room for 10 minutes. Doodle in the margins of your notebook. Watch the sunset without guilt. These tiny acts remind you: I’m still here.
4. Talk Back (Politely): Next time a teacher says, “This won’t be in the exam, so skip it,” ask, “But what if I want to learn it?” Challenge the idea that curiosity is a waste of time.
The Bigger Picture: Why Change Feels So Slow
Criticizing the system isn’t ingratitude—it’s a demand for something better. Yes, education opened doors for generations. But clinging to outdated methods harms everyone. Thankfully, cracks are appearing. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes critical thinking over memorization. Some schools now prioritize projects over rote tests. Progress is slow, but it’s there.
Your anger matters. Your exhaustion matters. They’re proof that you haven’t fully surrendered to the machine. And that spark? It’s the starting point for change—for you and the generations after.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Than a Report Card
To anyone reading this while trapped in the grind: Your pain is valid. Your fatigue isn’t weakness. This system wasn’t built for humans; it was built for results. But you’re not a robot. You’re a person with dreams, doubts, and a right to breathe.
School might feel like it’s draining your soul, but here’s the secret: They can’t take what they don’t see. Your humor, your quiet rebellions, your stubborn hope—those are yours forever. Keep them safe. Nurture them. And when the time comes, use them to rebuild a world where learning doesn’t have to hurt.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Why Does School in India Feel Like a Never-Ending Battle