Cracked IIT? Now comes real test - what happens after students reach dream campus
This article explores the intense psychological pressure faced by students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) after gaining admission. It highlights the transition from being high-achieving school toppers to struggling with academic competition and mental health challenges.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the systemic mental health crisis within elite educational institutions, questioning the sustainability of high-pressure academic environments.
‘Give me some sunshine, I wanna grow up once again.’The line from India’s blockbuster movie was not merely a song; it became an anthem that tied together the feelings of a generation of aspirants. In India, engineering is not just a profession; for many, it is synonymous with a prestigious life. Students toil for years in coaching institutes, with hunched backs and swollen eyes, driven by a single aim: to crack JEE and reach the coveted gates of an IIT. For many, the preparation begins as early as Class 8 or 9.But after years of toil, perseverance, and sacrifice, what happens when the dream is finally achieved? The competition takes a different shape: academic pressure, constant comparison, the weight of the “IITian” tag, and the fear of falling short of what is expected.
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