Jul 28, 2025      Public

Author: Rachit Ranjan, Founder of Bangwing IN

INVITE LINK: https://discord.gg/w3Pe95knF6

Introduction

India’s education system is under scrutiny, and for good reason. As the founder of **Bangwing IN**, India’s premier Discord community, I present the story of Aarav, a fictional character whose journey highlights the gaps in our education system. This SEO-optimized article explores why many Indians are dissatisfied with the system, identifies its faults, and suggests improvements, using keywords like “Indian education system issues,” “CBSE vs NIOS,” and “education reform in India” to reach those searching for answers.

Aarav’s Story: A Glimpse into an Alternative Education Path

Aarav, a fictional student, follows a unique routine that contrasts with the typical Indian student’s experience. Unlike most, Aarav studies under the **National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)**, a government board offering flexibility to choose subjects and exam schedules. His school bag doesn’t carry 7–8 heavy textbooks but a lightweight collection: a laptop, 2–3 notebooks, colorful pens, a highlighter, an eraser, a pencil, a scale, headphones, a phone, and sometimes a yoga mat or sports equipment. Aarav cycles to a public ground for morning yoga, walks, or creative activities like singing, returning home by 7 AM for breakfast while catching up on geopolitical updates via YouTube or TV.

While traditional students spend 6+ hours in school, Aarav attends flexible tuitions or studies independently in a library, tailoring his learning to his interests. Post-lunch, he hits the gym, buys groceries, and engages in activities like NCC training, writing poems, or playing sports on Sundays. His NIOS education allows self-paced learning, but he supplements it with NCC for discipline and leadership—qualities he finds lacking in the system.

Why the Criticism? Key Faults in India’s Education System

1. Excessive Physical and Mental Burden

Aarav’s lightweight bag contrasts with the heavy school bags students carry from LKG, causing physical strain and fatigue. Unlike schools abroad, most Indian schools lack lockers to store books, forcing students to carry heavy loads daily. This neglect of physical well-being extends to inadequate focus on fitness. Physical Training (PT) periods are often replaced by academic classes, and incidents of students fainting are blamed on poor eating habits rather than systemic issues like overburdening.

Solution: Schools should integrate gyms and libraries, allowing students to store books and prioritize fitness. Mandatory PT periods and locker systems can reduce physical strain.

2. Lack of Clarity on Education’s Purpose

Aarav’s story highlights a critical gap: schools fail to explain the “why” of education. Students recite pledges in assemblies but are rarely taught about the education system itself—what CBSE stands for, why studying matters, or what options exist post-boards. Unlike doctors or engineers who offer personalized guidance, teachers focus solely on syllabus completion, leaving students unaware of career paths.

Solution: Schools should educate students about the education system, career options, and the value of learning through regular assemblies or workshops.

3. Discipline vs. Individuality

Aarav joined NCC for discipline, as NIOS lacks structured guidance. In contrast, CBSE emphasizes discipline but often fosters conformity over individuality. Aarav recalls a civics class where students falsely raised hands to claim they helped at home, highlighting a culture of pretense. Teachers are addressed as “Sir” or “Madam” rather than as approachable mentors, creating a hierarchical gap.

Solution: Encourage teacher-student camaraderie, promote honesty, and integrate leadership programs like NCC into all boards.

4. Neglect of Digital Literacy and Expression

Aarav’s confidence in creative expression contrasts with students’ reluctance to perform publicly, like singing at assemblies. However, these same students thrive on social media, revealing a disconnect. Schools and parents restrict phone use without teaching cybersecurity or cybermaturity, leaving students vulnerable online. India’s youth could strengthen the nation’s media presence if given platforms to express opinions safely.

Solution: CBSE should host a national student forum using APAAR cards, moderated by schools, where students can publish articles and engage in discussions. Schools must teach digital safety and encourage responsible online expression.

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5. Unregulated Private Schools

Aarav’s structured NIOS journey contrasts with substandard private schools in urban areas, some operating from single rooms without proper oversight. CBSE’s approval of such institutions raises questions about monitoring and quality control.

Solution: Stricter regulations and regular audits for private schools to ensure compliance with CBSE standards.

6. Avoidance of Sensitive Topics

The education system shies away from discussing topics like addiction, mental health, or relationships, leaving students curious but uninformed. Without proper guidance, they risk harmful behaviors.

Solution: Schools should host debates and forums on sensitive topics, fostering awareness and cultural understanding to combat issues like addiction.

7. Recent CBSE Changes: A Double-Edged Sword

The introduction of two board exams for Classes 10 and 12 aims to reduce pressure but burdens teachers with rushed syllabi, leaving students with less time to learn deeply. Aarav’s flexible NIOS schedule highlights the need for student-centric reforms, not just structural changes.

Solution: Balance exam schedules to allow deeper learning and reduce teacher workload.

Positive Steps and Hope for the Future

Aarav’s journey, though fictional, reflects real possibilities. CBSE’s recent updates to history textbooks, reconnecting students with India’s cultural roots, and initiatives like APAAR cards are commendable. Integrating texts like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita could further enrich curricula. Aarav’s self-driven lifestyle—shaped by boredom leading to yoga, NCC, and library visits—shows how flexibility can foster personal growth.

Conclusion

India’s education system is outdated, overburdening students physically and mentally while neglecting their individuality, digital literacy, and awareness of sensitive issues. Aarav’s story illustrates the potential for change through flexible systems like NIOS, though it too needs better funding and recognition. By integrating gyms, libraries, digital platforms, and open discussions, India can reform its education system to empower students.

Join Bangwing IN’s Discord Server and its Forum channel to share your opinions, publish content, and contribute to this conversation. Together, let’s advocate for an education system that nurtures India’s youth.

Author: Rachit Ranjan, Founder of Bangwing IN