We live in an era which is witnessing a drastic increase in competition every year. To score 90 per cent is just not enough. To score the best of best is what it’s all about for today’s students. They strive to do whatever it takes to get the right score in order to please their parents, and be able to land up in the “best” college. And if they aren’t able to make it to their favourite college, they then hunt for courses which are in demand. They often forget to check the authenticity of an educational institute and do not give a second thought to what they are passionate about.
So, academic competition is also, in a way responsible for the commercialisation of education. There has been a mushrooming of institutes which claim to impart glamorous degrees to students. And many students are lured by these much-publicised fancy degrees and perks these institutions claim to be offering them. But such institutes are polluting the tender and immature minds of the students by taking them away from their interest. Infact, I am witness to a few such cases myself which moved me to speak up about this unhealthy scenario. These institutions are just working towards their money-making technique, and are not serious about students’ career. They not only approach and influence students constantly, but also bribe schools to hold seminars to convince students to be a part of their institution.
Finally, I would say that making a career choice should be done in a well-informed manner, after consultations with seniors and industry experts. The credentials of an institute should be thoroughly checked before making a career choice.
And importantly, following your interest is something that matters the most. We can do wonders if we just polish what we already are interested in, rather than struggling with something we do half-heartedly.
The writer is a Class 11 science student of St. Anthony’s School