To navigate the educational challenges, we must first identify the major issues within our educational system. Our education system is at a critical juncture, and students face myriad challenges, from a lack of spiritual connection to inadequate career counseling and support. This article highlights these issues and aims to empower young minds for a brighter future.

Students face two main challenges across all educational levels:

1. Disconnect from Spirituality and Inner Self: Students seem disconnected from spirituality and understanding their inner selves, neglecting exercise and mindfulness practices. Many do not realize the importance of these practices for maintaining overall well-being and academic success.
2. Lack of Direction and Passion: Many students lack clear goals, vision, and passion in life, feeling lost and careless about their future. This leads to a sense of aimlessness and disengagement from their studies and future planning.

Now, Let’s Examine the Students’ Problems Across Different Educational Levels.

A. Challenges for Higher Secondary level students

After Grade 10, students face numerous problems, including a lack of career counseling and parental support, leading to decisions made under pressure or without proper guidance.

1. No Proper Career Counseling for Joining Class 11: In our education system, there is no counseling section available in schools or colleges. Students often select subjects for Class 11 based on parental pressure, peer influence, or random choice, rather than informed guidance.
2. Lack of Support and Acknowledgment from Parents and Educators: Some parents do not support their child’s educational choices, instead imposing their own preferences. Educators sometimes undermine students’ potential by questioning their decisions. 
   • Example: One student shared her experience: “I want to become a biologist, so I chose the science stream, but my teacher once said, ‘Why did you choose the science stream? You have very low marks in mathematics.’ It was such a discouraging moment in my life. I couldn’t understand why my teacher couldn’t see my passion and determination. Why did she undermine my potential just because of my math scores? I believe in my dream, but moments like these make it incredibly challenging to stay steadfast.”
3. Bias in Choosing the Science Stream: There is a societal bias that views the science stream as superior, leading parents to pressure their children into choosing it. This bias suggests that students in the science stream are more talented and likely to succeed. Additionally, the perception that science requires more serious study leads some parents to believe it is the only viable option, even if their children have different interests or strengths.
4. Skepticism and Resistance Towards Non-Science Streams: Students face significant resistance and skepticism when expressing interest in non-science streams, despite their genuine passion for these subjects. This societal bias diminishes the perceived value of non-science stream fields such as humanities, management, and social sciences.
5. Overly Theoretical Subjects with Little Practical Experience: Except for some schools in the Valley, many institutions lack sufficient practical learning opportunities. Even in subjects like science, IT, management, etc. schools often fail to provide hands-on experiences. This theoretical focus fails to equip students with practical skills, leaving them unprepared for real-world challenges.

B. Challenges for Bachelor’s Students

At the bachelor’s level, students encounter various challenges that contribute to low graduation rates and high dropout rates, including family responsibilities, financial issues, and a lack of motivation and support.

1. No Proper Guidance and Career Confusion: Bachelor’s level students also, receive inadequate career counseling, leading to confusion and uncertainty about their career paths.

• • Example: A student shares her story: “I enrolled three times in three different subjects for my bachelor’s, and finally, on the third attempt, I graduated with a major in education. I feel I didn’t receive proper counseling during enrollment.”

2. Lack of Motivation for Study: Many students struggle to find genuine motivation for their studies. Some pursue degrees solely to meet academic requirements or family expectations, rather than pursuing their own passions or career aspirations. Additionally, the absence of practical learning leaves students uncertain about which field is suitable for them.

• • Example: A student expresses frustration: “Our universities and colleges prepare us for a world where our skills and knowledge are never going to be used. It’s all exam-oriented, with no practical knowledge. We study just to pass exams, not for real-world application. How can we find motivation for the future?”

3. Inadequate Educational Resources: Universities often lack practical materials and well-equipped labs, limiting hands-on learning and research. Additionally, some students face financial constraints, as their parents are unable to support them financially, preventing them from purchasing necessary study materials.
4. Growing Digital Distractions: The rise of social media usage distracts students from their studies, affecting their ability to focus on academic responsibilities.
5. Lack of Academic Skills: Many students struggle with essential skills such as note-making, exam preparation, and writing for exams. Without these foundational skills, students find it challenging to succeed academically and meet the demands of higher education.
6. Insufficient English Language Proficiency: Many students face difficulties due to a lack of proficiency in English. This language barrier can hinder their understanding of course materials and limit their academic success
7. Lack of Family Support: Some students face opposition or pressure from their families regarding their educational pursuits, impacting their ability to pursue desired careers.

• • Example 1: A student shares, “After marriage, I couldn’t find time to attend college, and my in-laws forced me to leave college.”
  • Example 2: Another student explains, “I have a passion for sports and dream of becoming a professional player. However, my family forced me to join the army. This conflict between my aspirations and family expectations caused a lot of stress and made me unsure about my career path.”

8. Poor Time Management: Balancing academic responsibilities, social interactions, and personal obligations increases stress and diminishes academic performance.
9. Depression: Academic pressure, family expectations, and societal competition contribute to mental health challenges among students, highlighting the need for proper counseling and support services.

• • Example: One student shares her heartbreaking experience: “Since childhood, I’ve been under immense pressure to achieve perfect scores and rank first in school. If I fell short, my family subjected me to emotional torture, leaving me with no free time beyond studying. I’ve spent nights studying, sleeping only 3-4 hours, yet I couldn’t achieve this unrealistic goal. Seeing my friends seemingly happier with lower grades adds to my frustration. Also, my family always interfered with my decisions; when I wanted to study IT, they insisted on the medical field. However, I chose IT, now I feel lost and unsure where to start. I feel lost in unwanted thoughts, battling suicidal feelings, and struggling with my mental health.”

C. Challenges Due to University and College Limitations

From outdated curricula to a lack of research facilities and inadequate preparation for the job market, universities often fail to provide students with essential resources, leading to significant challenges for students.

1. Inadequate Educational Resources: Many universities lack well-equipped labs and practical materials, which hinders students’ ability to engage in hands-on learning and research. Subjects are too theoretical, with little practical and skill-based learning during the four years of college, leaving graduates unprepared for real-world applications and challenges
2. Outdated Syllabi and Lack of Updated Courses: A significant challenge is the adherence to outdated curricula that do not align with current market demands. Syllabi often mimic content from neighboring countries and fail to organize course structures effectively, leaving students ill-prepared for future careers.
3. Underestimating the Value of Research: Research opportunities are limited, and faculty members often lack the necessary training to guide students effectively. This undervaluation of research hampers students’ ability to develop innovative and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for academic and professional growth.

These are the major problems faced by students across all levels. We hear your concerns and are dedicated to addressing them. We also invite you to share your solutions and voice your needs. Join us in this revolutionary mission of overcoming these challenges and cultivating holistic growth in thousands of students’ lives.