A few years ago, it was claimed that as many as 4400 students had dropped out of the leading IITs and NITs in the previous three years, with "academic stress" being one of the causes. Between 2012 and 2015, around 2060 students dropped out of IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology).
In fact, despite having the most seats (1341) among the IITs, IIT-Kharagpur needed to attract even a single topper from the top 212 ranks during the 2015 counselling sessions. IIT Roorkee came after IIT KGP on this ranking. Students from considerably down on the common rank list favoured these two institutes the most.
Many such incidents have been documented in which excellent students have left the leading IITs. Chitraang Murdia, the JEE Advanced 2014 winner, was one such case. He withdrew from his B.Tech degree at IIT Bombay to continue studying abroad.
According to academic alums and students, there are several reasons students lose interest in IITs. Below we list 6 reasons students lose interest in studies after entering IITs.
Heavy Course Load
The first reason students lose interest in studies after entering IITs is the need for more passion for their chosen field. For some students, the pressure to pursue a certain course or major may come from family, friends, or societal expectations rather than their interests and passions.
As a result, these students may find the coursework and exams unengaging and unfulfilling, leading to a loss of motivation and interest in their studies. To prevent this, students need to reflect on their interests and goals before choosing a major and seek support from academic advisors, peers, and family if they need more clarification about their career path.
Additionally, students may lose interest in their studies if they feel overwhelmed by the rigorous academic demands of IITs. The competitive atmosphere and high expectations for academic performance can lead to stress, burnout, and a feeling of inadequacy.
To counteract this, students need to prioritise self-care and seek support from friends, family, and mental health professionals as needed. Additionally, students can benefit from taking a break from academics and engaging in extracurricular activities that they enjoy and that helps them recharge.
Overwhelming Academic Pressure
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are known for their rigorous and challenging curriculum, which can be quite overwhelming for students. The high academic standards and expectations at IITs can lead to intense pressure, anxiety, and stress.
This can cause students to lose interest in their studies and feel overwhelmed. Moreover, student competition can be fierce, adding to the pressure to perform well and succeed.
This can lead to students neglecting their needs, interests, and hobbies and focusing solely on their academic performance, resulting in burnout and disinterest in their studies. To overcome this, students should take breaks, engage in activities they enjoy, and find ways to manage their stress levels, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a counsellor.
Homesickness
The third reason why students may lose interest in their studies after entering IITs is due to the overwhelming workload and pressure to perform. IITs are known for their rigorous academic programs, and students are often expected to maintain high grades and participate in various extracurricular activities.
The combination of these demands can be stressful and lead to burnout, causing students to lose motivation and interest in their studies. Additionally, students may also feel the pressure to live up to the expectations of their family and society, leading to further stress and anxiety.
To overcome this challenge, it is important for students to prioritise self-care, manage their time effectively, and seek support from their peers, family, and professors when needed.
Lack of Support
The fourth reason students may lose interest in their studies after entering IITs is the need for more engagement and interaction with the subject material. In some cases, students may find the curriculum repetitive or not challenging enough, leading to boredom and disinterest.
This can also result from large lecture-style classes where students passively listen to lectures and do not actively participate in discussions or hands-on learning experiences. To address this, students need to seek out opportunities for interactive learning, such as participating in research projects or clubs related to their field of study, and for universities to offer more diverse and engaging course offerings.
Unsuitable Course or Curriculum
Another reason students may lose interest in studies after entering IITs is that the course or curriculum may need to be more suitable. IITs are known for their rigorous academic programs and highly competitive environments, which can overwhelm some students. The curriculum may need to align with the student's interests or career goals, leading to a lack of motivation and a loss of interest.
Inadequate Support and Guidance
Some students may lose interest in their studies due to a lack of support and guidance from teachers, mentors, and academic advisors. This can result in students feeling lost and unable to cope with the academic and personal challenges they face while pursuing their studies at IITs.
This is because the education system at IITs is highly competitive, and students require continuous support and guidance to overcome difficulties and remain engaged in their studies.
IITs must also ensure that their support systems are adequate and accessible for all students who need them. This can include counselling services, mentorship programs, and academic support programs to help students remain engaged in their studies and succeed in their academic careers.
