Why small-town students are no longer putting all their eggs in one exam basket

India Today

3 days ago

CUET, UPSC, NEET, or JEE? How aspirations are changing in small-town IndiaIn small-town India, ambition hasn't dimmed-it's just getting more thoughtful. For years, becoming an IAS officer, doctor, or engineer was the ultimate dream, often passed down like a family legacy. That hasn't changed much. What has changed is how students approach that dream. There's more self-awareness now. Students get caught up in questions like, "What is the endgame?" In the midst of it all, CUET has emerged as a real contender-not a compromise, but a strategic decision. It enables many students to pursue great higher education without experiencing the burnout that is common with high-pressure tests.advertisementCUET, in many ways, has levelled the playing field. For students who don't come from expensive coaching ecosystems, it feels accessible. A student from Jabalpur now sees a real shot at landing in DU, BHU, or JNU as someone from Delhi or Mumbai. It doesn't carry the same fear factor as JEE or NEET, and that alone has made a difference. But this isn't about replacing those exams-it's about widening the horizon. For the first time, many students feel like the system has carved out a path they can actually walk on.
While new options are emerging, traditional goals such as UPSC remain relevant. Civil services still have a strong appeal. The idea of effecting change, gaining respect, and having a solid profession remains popular. But students today are more strategic. Many are working, pursuing parallel degrees, and preparing for the UPSC at the same time. The dream is still alive, but it is being pursued with clarity and backup plans, which is a significant departure from the all-or-nothing mindset that previously defined these journeys.Medicine, too, continues to be one of the most respected and deeply aspired-to careers in small-town India.NEET continues to be a significant milestone for thousands of students, particularly girls, pursuing medical careers. The desire to wear that white coat remains strong. However, the consciousness has shifted. Families are increasingly aware of the budgetary realities, limited government seats and the long journey ahead. But, rather than retreating, the objective remains the same; the routes are more diverse.JEE, too, hasn't lost its magnetism. The keen desire for engineering, especially through IITs, NITs, or IIITs, remains a top-tier aspiration. But the way students approach it has evolved. Some are combining JEE prep with skills like coding, design, or entrepreneurship. The focus is no longer just on "cracking" an exam, and that's the larger story across the board.Alongside this shift in mindset, Tier-2 coaching hubs are booming like never before. Tier 2 and 3 cities have become ecosystems. Edtech has blurred the lines; students are combining offline coaching with online test series, YouTube lectures, and Telegram doubt groups. Whether it's JEE, NEET, CUET, or UPSC, there's a digital supplement for everything. In between the chaos, what's emerging is a hybrid learning culture; one that's more accessible, more personalised, and better aligned with each student's pace and path.Thus, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution, which may be the most significant shift of all. Whether it's CUET, NEET, JEE, or UPSC, each exam is significant in small-town India. The pressure has not subsided, but the options have expanded. And somewhere between ambition and awareness, a new kind of aspiration is quietly taking root: less about chasing status and more about finding what truly fits.- EndsMust Watch