An unwritten competition runs rampant through the veins of society. It is not a marathon, but a frantic sprint where reaching the finish line is the only goal, not the joy of the run or the experience of the journey. The race for acquiring certificates has overtaken the true purpose of education. Today, the emphasis on grades and marks often outweighs the value of genuine learning.
This unhealthy pursuit of credentials over knowledge comes at a heavy cost. Education should ignite curiosity, nurture talents, and shape individuals into thoughtful, self-sufficient citizens. Yet the current system rewards rote memorisation rather than exploration. Students who ask questions beyond the textbook or delight in new discoveries are often discouraged, stifling their curiosity. As a result, the system produces skilled examinees who can secure top grades but lose creativity, critical thinking and the ability to engage deeply with knowledge.
When grades become the primary objective, learning becomes superficial. Students collect information for exams rather than understanding it, losing the capacity to connect ideas across disciplines or analyze complex issues. A generation emerges that can recite formulas or historical dates yet fails to comprehend their real-world applications or broader significance.
The consequences extend to the professional sphere. Every year, thousands of graduates enter the job market armed with first-class degrees but lacking practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities. This mismatch not only frustrates individuals but also burdens the national economy, producing an "educated" yet underprepared workforce.
Moreover, the obsession with certificates fosters unethical practices such as cheating and question paper leaks. When success depends on managing the system rather than learning, dishonesty becomes a learned shortcut. Education, which should cultivate knowledge, ethics, and values, instead risks producing individuals who are skilled in appearances but lacking in integrity, empathy, and responsibility.
The joy of learning-the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of mastering new concepts-has been replaced by relentless pressure, gruelling routines and singular pursuit of grades. Schools and colleges have become places to endure rather than to explore and students see certificates as the only ticket to freedom.
This system transforms institutions meant to "build humans" into factories that "manufacture robots." While grades may shine on paper, the nation loses its future innovators, ethical leaders, and thoughtful citizens. The time has come to prioritise true education over mere credentials and to nurture learning that empowers, enlightens, and inspires.
Sikder Hena
Department of Philosophy
Jagannath University
sikderhena734@gmail.com
