Education –  The pressure surrounding school examinations continues to shape conversations in homes and classrooms across India, but a broader shift in perspective is steadily taking root.

For decades, examinations have been treated as turning points that determine a student’s future. Report cards often become symbols of success or failure, influencing how children are viewed by family and society. Yet, an alternative approach has been gaining attention—one that places learning and emotional balance above numerical scores.

A Call to Ease Exam Pressure

Through initiatives such as Pariksha Pe Charcha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly urged students, parents and teachers to reconsider the meaning of exams. Since its launch in 2018, the annual interaction has focused on reducing stress and encouraging students to treat examinations as part of a longer academic journey rather than a final verdict on their abilities.

The Prime Minister’s central message has remained consistent: marks alone cannot define a child’s capabilities or character. Instead, examinations should be approached as opportunities to assess understanding, identify gaps and plan improvement.

When Marks Become Misleading Labels

Despite these efforts, academic scores are often viewed as absolute measures of intelligence. A single low grade can lead to disappointment and self-doubt, not only for students but also for their families. This narrow interpretation risks overlooking qualities such as creativity, communication skills and problem-solving abilities, which cannot always be captured in a written test.

Psychologists warn that repeated academic setbacks, combined with harsh judgement, may lead students to disengage from learning altogether. When children begin to believe that their efforts make no difference, motivation declines and curiosity weakens. Over time, this mindset can affect both confidence and academic growth.

Growth of a National Platform

What began as a town hall-style event in New Delhi in February 2018 has gradually expanded into a nationwide engagement programme. Pariksha Pe Charcha initially brought together students at Talkatora Stadium for direct interaction. Over the years, the format has evolved to include virtual participation, allowing millions of students, teachers and parents to connect from across the country.

Registrations have steadily increased, reflecting widespread interest in conversations around exam stress and student well-being. By 2025, participation numbers had crossed several crores, demonstrating the scale of the programme’s reach.

Understanding What Grades Truly Represent

Education experts emphasize that grades are designed to indicate a student’s level of understanding at a particular time. They reflect performance in a specific subject under certain conditions. Factors such as preparation, teaching methods, exam format, health and emotional state all influence results.

For this reason, a poor score should not be interpreted as permanent inability. Instead, it can highlight areas that require additional attention. When viewed as feedback rather than judgement, grades serve as practical tools for improvement.

The Role of Teachers in Building Confidence

Teachers play a critical role in shaping how students interpret academic outcomes. Comparisons with classmates or negative remarks, even when unintended, can weaken a child’s self-belief. Constructive guidance, however, helps students understand mistakes and adopt better study strategies.

Encouraging teamwork and recognising diverse talents within the classroom fosters an environment where students feel valued beyond exam results. Such an approach transforms learning spaces into supportive communities rather than competitive arenas.

Family and Peer Support Matter

In many households, academic success is closely linked to expectations about future opportunities. When children fall short of these expectations, reactions may include disappointment or pressure. However, supportive conversations that focus on solutions rather than blame can significantly improve resilience.

Peers also influence how students cope with setbacks. A culture of mutual support—sharing notes, discussing challenges and offering encouragement—can reduce feelings of isolation. These everyday gestures build emotional strength and prepare students to handle broader life challenges.

Moving Beyond Numbers

Ultimately, examinations are one part of a much larger educational journey. When scores are treated as final judgements, they can harm self-esteem and discourage effort. When understood as temporary indicators of progress, they guide improvement and personal growth.

The broader message emerging from initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha is clear: education should nurture curiosity, resilience and character. By shifting focus from marks to meaningful learning, India’s classrooms can move toward a more balanced and student-centred system.