The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) started on Thursday throughout Nepal, a milestone in the life of over half a million students. The nationwide examination is a massive academic event, with over 500,000 students appearing in their exams in almost 2,080 examination centers. Though SEE is regarded as a stepping stone to the future, one cannot help but ask if clearing this exam really determines the destiny of a student. Will a good grade assure a bright future, and does failure signal the end of the journey?
For generations, SEE, or what used to be called the School Leaving Certificate (SLC), has been "the iron gate" of life. It is a thrilling yet tense period, with students, parents, and teachers waiting with bated breath for results. SEE success is typically associated with future academic opportunities, career options, and social pressure. The toppers are revered, while low scorers become depressed. But we must understand that life is much, much greater than one exam. No single exam can determine a person's ability, talent, or future success.
The real challenge starts after SEE. While some pursue technical education or vocational training, others pursue higher secondary studies in humanities, sciences, or management. Financial difficulties may even make it impossible for many students, especially rural students, to finish school. It is concerning that 15,000 students who were eligible to take this year's grade improvement examination could not be found. Are these students dropping out of school? Our educational system must close these gaps to not let any student be left behind.
Studying for exams is only one aspect of school. Schooling is a very significant part of developing one's personality, values, and skill set. Apart from transferring students with fundamental subjects like science, math, and languages, schools also teach them critical thinking ways, problem-solving, and how to interact with other individuals. Communication skills, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills are as valuable as an education. These are far more crucial for success in life than grades.
Students typically experience excessive stress because of the pressure to perform well in SEE. Anxiety and loss of confidence may result from a fear of failure. Although competition is a law of nature, one's mental health should never be sacrificed for it. While parents and teachers need to encourage students to do their best, they also need to make them realize that failing the SEE does not mean failing in life. Most successful individuals in the world did poorly in school exams, but they accomplished a lot by working hard, persevering, and being innovative.
The focus of Nepal's education system needs to be redirected from only examinations to learning as a whole and skill development. Students will be able to learn multiple routes to success through career counseling, vocational education, and the promotion of practical knowledge. To ensure that every person can create a bright future, the government and education authorities must make the educational system more accessible and inclusive for all students.
As over half a million students take the SEE this year, they need to keep in mind that grades do not define who they are. Their determination, self-control, and enthusiasm for learning will take them farther than any test could. The real purpose of education is to prepare students for life and give them the skills and knowledge to write their own success stories, not just to help them pass tests. Last but not the least, Good Luck to every SEE taker out there!