Test anxiety is an intrinsic part of the Indian high-school experience. Stress levels reach their peak during class XII and remain the same until entrance exams end, till a college admission is secured. The National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one such entrance exam attempted by students aspiring to pursue medical and dental courses. The result for this exam was announced on June 4, set off a whirlwind of emotions across the country.
One of the main reasons behind the immense pressure felt by students writing NEET is the increasing competition, which has culminated in a fixation to perform well, academically. Often, mental and emotional health is completely disregarded, when the focus on scoring is deemed paramount. “Many schools tend to disregard mental health and emotional intelligence as the focus is entirely on scoring. The system has to change to accommodate different kinds of learners,” says Mina Dilip, a child psychologist from Chennai.
Gap year option
Another practice that is becoming progressively common among NEET students is opting for a gap year after class XII to improve scores. “I had no choice but to take another year to study, and I am happy I made that decision. I would have missed out on so many experiences in my final years of school if I had spent all my time preparing for exams,” says Karan S. Cheeran, a NEET candidate from Kerala.
This practice seems to stem from a sense of being overwhelmed, which is one of the many indicators of stress. While stress has inevitably become a customary part of student life, it is imperative that one is aware of the fine line between what is considered ‘normal’ and what could be potentially toxic. “Fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in social activities, appetite, and disturbed or inadequate sleep are a few signs to watch out for. When parents notice these changes, they must keep an eye on their child. If a child mentions feeling overwhelmed, or expresses a desire to get away, immediate professional help must be sought,” says Mina Dilip.
Parents play a crucial role in this process; simply having their support can significantly alleviate stress. “My parents were hesitant about the break year at first, but I was persistent about it. So, they were supportive towards the end. That was one thing less for me to worry about,”says Meghna John, a NEET candidate from Chennai.
“Students must prioritise their physical and mental health. They must maintain a healthy balance between academic pursuits and overall health and fitness. Little things such as following a good diet, taking adequate rest, and engaging in daily physical activity can go a long way during exam time. Preparing well in advance can help ease the anxiety and yield better results,” believes Mina Dilip.
