Students should choose subjects after Class XII based on interest, not influence: expert
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
The noted technology, media analyst and former professor of Kumaun University Kamal K Pandey said that after the Class XII results had been declared and with it the admission season began, thousands of students across the country have found themselves at a critical crossroads, forced to decide what to study next. “This often becomes a confusing and stressful decision, not just because of a lack of options but due to the overwhelming influence of societal expectations, peer pressure and parental hopes,” he said, adding that it became easy in this stressed environment to overlook the most important factor in career selection: the student’s own interest and aptitude.
Asked to explain, he said that success only lay in the professional fields such as engineering or medicine. “But this is a common misconception that has been running in society for a long time. No one can deny that these are important and respected professions but these are not the only avenues to a fulfilling and successful career. The reality is that every subject — be it psychology, political science, economics, literature or history — holds vast potential, provided the student is genuinely passionate about it and willing to study it with commitment and depth,” he observed.
Dwelling more on the students’ predicament, Pandey said that many students unfortunately end up choosing subjects they neither enjoy nor relate to. “This is simply because others around them are doing so or because of the perceived ‘status’ certain degrees carry. But such decisions taken under pressure or in haste can lead to disinterest in academics, dissatisfaction in college life and even a complete career shift later on. This lands them in misery. This not only wastes time and resources but also hampers their confidence in themselves,” he commented.
Stressing that today’s world demands more than just degrees, he said that it values originality, critical thinking, communication and creativity no less than degrees. “These qualities can be developed in any discipline. There are numerous examples of students from humanities or social sciences going on to become successful civil servants, journalists, researchers, entrepreneurs and global thought leaders. What matters most is not the stream but the sincerity with which one pursues it,” he averred.
Urging the society to ensure that the students get time to reflect and choose a subject that truly excites them, Pandey said that it must be a mindful decision. “Students should consult mentors, seek counselling if necessary, and most importantly, listen to their inner voice. This is not just about the next three years of college — it’s about building a life of meaning and purpose,” he said.
He further said that in a country as diverse and dynamic as India, there is space and scope for every kind of talent. “Let us encourage our youth to explore boldly, choose wisely and study deeply not just because the world expects it but because their heart does. After all, careers are not built by following the crowd but by following one’s calling,” he asserted.
