Every year, when the results of board exams are announced, many students feel upset or stressed. This makes us ask an important question: Do marks really show a student’s intelligence or potential? People often celebrate students who get perfect scores. While working hard is good, this focus on marks hides a bigger problem. Our exam system mainly tests how well students memorise things. It doesn’t check if they can think deeply, be creative, or solve real-life problems. For example, a student might score 95% but still find basic reasoning difficult. The problem isn’t the student; it’s the way we test them. This way of grading has serious negative effects. It ignores talents in arts, sports, innovation, and leadership. It makes many children feel they are less smart just because they don’t score high. It also causes unhealthy competition and pressure. Kids are often told their worth depends only on their marks, which can sometimes lead to sadness or even tragedy. Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who is now an IAS officer but once scored low in exams, reminds us that success in life depends on qualities like resilience, curiosity, and skills. These are the things that exams can’t measure. Because of this, we need to change our education system urgently. First, we should include different ways of testing. For example, practical projects, speaking exams, and problem-solving tasks can show how well a student applies what they learn. Second, schools should teach students about managing emotions, resilience, and life skills to help them handle pressure better. Third, parents and society should stop comparing children based on marks and instead appreciate their efforts and unique talents. We should rethink what “excellence” means. It’s not just about rankings but about developing the ability to think, adapt, and contribute to society. We can celebrate those who score highest, but we must also create a system that doesn’t make anyone feel like a “winner” or a “loser”. Our education system should focus on nurturing different kinds of talents. The real success is not just in the ranks, but in making confident, capable, and emotionally strong citizens.
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