PM Modi urges balance and restraint as exam pressure on students rises

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan 14 called for a balanced and supportive environment for students during the examination season, warning against placing excessive academic pressure on children.

The Prime Minister shared an article written by Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhury on X and wrote, “Let us celebrate patience over pressure in education! Marks and assessments have their place as guidance, not destinations. Union Minister of State Shri Jayant Chaudhury writes this piece urging the creation of an atmosphere of balance among peers and parents. A must-read in this exam season!”

Chaudhury had earlier posted the article on X, outlining a broader perspective on education and child development.

He argued that in a system often focused on early achievement, it is essential to acknowledge that learning and growth do not follow uniform timelines.

According to him, curiosity and exploration should precede specialization for learning to truly flourish.

In the article titled “Patience over pressure: A resolution for parents,” Chaudhury questioned the tendency to assess educational progress primarily through early high scores and rapid specialization.

He said such expectations frequently push children into making critical life decisions before they have adequately discovered their interests and strengths.

Referring to examples from sports and academic research, Chaudhury noted that early success does not necessarily predict long-term achievement.

He cited studies, including research published in the journal Science and insights from author David Epstein’s book Range, to show that many high achievers followed non-linear paths and specialized later in life.

The article also connects these ideas to the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary learning and flexibility.

Chaudhury wrote that while policies can create enabling structures, the everyday decisions of families, schools, and communities shape whether education becomes a source of empowerment or stress for children.

While underscoring the importance of examinations and assessments, he stated that their real purpose is to offer feedback and direction rather than act as final judgments of a child’s potential. Viewing exams as milestones rather than endpoints can help sustain learning without limiting it, he wrote.

Concluding the article, Chaudhury appealed to parents, teachers, academicians, and policymakers to strike a balance between ambition and patience.

He urged society to move away from the search for early prodigies and instead allow each child’s potential to develop over time through exploration and experience.