Educated Fools

For many students, the JEE is seen as the ultimate test of hard work, dedication, and intelligence. But for those who do not make the cut, the disappointment can be crushing. Some take a gap year to try again, while others give up entirely.

Even for those who do succeed in the JEE and gain entry into a top engineering college, the road ahead is not necessarily easy. The grueling study habits that got them there can be difficult to break, and the pressure to excel continues.

For those who choose to pursue a career in engineering, the JEE is just the beginning. But for many, it is a defining moment that shapes their future, for better or for worse.

The initial excitement of joining a prestigious institution like an IIT or any other college is short-lived, as the constant pressure of assignments, quizzes, exams, and practicals soon takes a toll on one's mental health. The academic environment is focused on a rat race towards job placements and securing high-paying packages, leaving little room for genuine passion and innovation.

Engineering has become less about creativity and more about securing a job in the IT sector, which often leaves engineers feeling like "educated fools" who have been duped by society into pursuing a career they don't really enjoy.

A life as an engineer could be fun if colleges emphasized practical learning and project-based coursework, but instead, students are forced to memorize formulas and derivations that hold little relevance. Ultimately, many end up as corporate slaves, serving their whole lives in pursuit of the money they always wanted but never have time to enjoy.

Instead of chasing degrees and marks, individuals should focus on using their unique capabilities to make money and break free from the societal bubble that limits their true potential.