Engineering aspirants took the JEE entrance examination in February and several students scored a 99 and even a 100 percentile. The toppers were interviewed by news channels and some of them shared plans to re-appear for the subsequent attempts to better their score. However, things are quite different for those who score average or below-average marks especially when their parents compare them to the toppers.
One student shared their thoughts on what parental pressure feels like and why one result shouldn’t be used to judge someone’s intelligence or future job prospects.
My parents are sending me interviews of JEE toppers to shame my performance.
I failed, I accept and I've moved on, I don't care if anyone topped or even passed JEE. It is no certificate for being smart, they were able to solve some set of questions better than me. That's it.— C ? (@playdoughwreck) March 9, 2021
I gave my exam last year, and I am still worried about the results, I’ll be until I bag a decent job because my parents can’t let me be at peace, every interview, every result, every achievement of someone else is used as a hammer to nail me down. It’s not cool.
— C ? (@playdoughwreck) March 9, 2021
What have I even done to bear this damage? Not be at my most superhumanly intelligent on a given day? Parents need to understand that exams are NOT to test someone’s intelligence or a bright future. It’s just a helping aid. If I can go without it, it’s braver IMO.
— C ? (@playdoughwreck) March 9, 2021
Rant over. Thank you. Remember that you are valid regardless of your performance in an entrance exam. Shun what people tell you.
— C ? (@playdoughwreck) March 9, 2021
People shared similar experiences about how the hype around results and nagging from parents affected their mental health and confidence.
I GAVE JEE TWO YEARS BACK. AND THE RESULTS AND THE HYPE AROUND IT STILL GIVES ME TRAUMA. STOP EQUATING EVERYONE’S INTELLIGENCE OVER ONE FUCKIN EXAM https://t.co/sicZStywjm
— Lightning McNut (@emochachos) March 10, 2021
Ah exactly, here I am in the final year of my engineering and my parents are nagging about my junior from school who topped mains they’re blaming and cursing me for not making it myself, such a pain such a pain, it is not easy to take those taunts, parents fkn NEED TO UNDERSTAND!
— निर्लज्ज प्राणी (@VinayakBadmash) March 9, 2021
I still get that taunt – “IF” wala even though they are way supportive 99.99% times but it hurts and still we gotta do what we gotta do – find comfort in reality and look for peace
— Mayank (@RumaliShawarmaa) March 9, 2021
Many also offered words of encouragement and reiterated the fact that a single exam can never measure everyone’s talent or skill.
I've been there,
Trust me it doesn't matter.
Just keep working hard!!! https://t.co/KmtVGC9MCZ— SkepticusX (@SkepticusX) March 10, 2021
Take care ❤️ it’s just an exam
— Shubham isn’t Shub? (@Kyayaarshubham) March 10, 2021
Heyy!! I’m really sorry that you had to go through all of it and trust me I’ve been in your shoes and it’s a true nightmare. But I really hope and I’m pretty sure someday your parents will see that you’re way talented than just an entrance score. All love to you ???
— Jalãpenos on pizzaaa (@usernamehonakya) March 10, 2021
Chick you are the best, everyone have a special and unique talent, don’t let anyone demotivate u in any way. I am proud of you , you deserve best. Much love to you , keep shining <3
— Abhishek (@thelamershit) March 9, 2021
you know what , you shine the brightest and cheer others selflessly , and an exam will NEVER be the judge of you or anyone in any kinda circumstances.
i adore a hooman like you , and ik you will never give up on your morale . ily . have a great day / night .with love ,
thoi— ♡ stained glass (@thehalfofink) March 9, 2021
Do you think Indian parents put unnecessary pressure on their kids when it comes to college entrances? Or do you believe it is just their way of motivating them to do their best?