Madras High Court Criticizes “Rat Race” for Medical and Engineering Seats; Calls for Rethinking Education Pressure

Chennai, March2026:

The Madras High Court recently expressed concern over the intense pressure placed on students to secure admissions in medical and engineering colleges, observing that many parents push their children into a “terrible rat race” driven by competitive entrance examinations.

The observations were made by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy while hearing a petition filed by a Class XII student seeking permission to appear for the Mathematics examination as an additional subject under the CBSE curriculum.

According to the case details, the student had initially studied Mathematics during her higher secondary course but later opted to replace the subject with Physical Education. The change was reportedly made to reduce academic burden while preparing for the NEET examination, which is required for admission to undergraduate medical programs.

However, after not securing a medical seat, the student decided to pursue engineering studies, which require Mathematics as a mandatory subject. She subsequently requested permission from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to take the Mathematics examination as an additional subject.

CBSE declined the request, citing regulations that require a student to have studied a subject for the full duration of the academic program before being allowed to sit for the board examination.
During the hearing, the Court reflected on the broader social implications of the case, noting that education in many parts of the country has become narrowly associated with gaining entry into medical or engineering institutions rather than focusing on holistic learning.

Justice Chakravarthy remarked that students often modify their subject choices strategically to maximize examination scores or improve their chances in competitive entrance tests. The Court observed that such decisions may later place students in difficult situations if their career plans change.

Taking a balanced approach, the Court directed the relevant authorities to examine whether the student had indeed studied Mathematics earlier as part of her coursework. If sufficient academic records—such as notebooks, assignments, or internal assessments—confirm that the subject had been pursued, the authorities were asked to consider permitting the student to sit for the examination.

The Court emphasized that procedural rules should not unnecessarily hinder a student’s future prospects where genuine academic effort can be demonstrated.

The matter highlights continuing judicial concern over the increasing academic pressure faced by students in India amid intense competition for limited seats in professional courses.

Discription: The Madras High Court recently expressed concern over the growing pressure on students to secure admission in medical and engineering colleges, describing the situation as a “rat race” driven largely by parental expectations. The observation came while hearing a petition filed by a Class XII student seeking permission to appear for the Mathematics board examination as an additional subject under the CBSE curriculum. The student had earlier replaced Mathematics with Physical Education while preparing for the NEET examination but later wished to pursue engineering, where Mathematics is mandatory. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had rejected the request citing its rules. The Court directed authorities to verify whether the student had previously studied Mathematics through academic records such as notebooks or internal assessments. If verified, the student may be allowed to take the examination. The Court emphasized that procedural rules should not unnecessarily jeopardize a student’s future.