The broader purpose
India's National Education Policy 2020 (checked 2026-10-28) describes education as developing good human beings capable of rational thought, compassion, creativity and ethical values, alongside knowledge.
What gets lost when marks dominate
- Curiosity and love of learning.
- Life skills and self-understanding.
- The confidence to choose one's own path.
For families
- Ask what your child is learning, not only what they scored.
- Value projects, sports, arts and responsibilities.
- Choose streams and courses for fit, not prestige alone.
Deciding whether it fits you
A field can look exciting from the outside and still be a poor fit. Before committing, talk to two or three people already doing the work, try a short course or project, and notice whether the day-to-day tasks energise or drain you. A structured conversation with a mentor can help you compare options against your interests, abilities and values rather than trends alone.