In the Contemporary era of education, Regular college attendance has long been seen as a crucial part of higher education. However, a growing trend among students is irregular attendance, which negatively impacts their academic performance, professional readiness, and personal development. The issue is multifaceted, involving factors such as excessive mobile phone usage, unengaging college environment, a declining culture of book reading, and the reforms brought by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. No doubt the students in present education style have to take advantage of technology; but the widespread use of smartphones has fundamentally changed how students engage with education. With unlimited access to entertainment, social media, and online resources, many students find it more convenient to learn through digital platforms rather than attending physical classes. Online lectures, YouTube tutorials, and digital study materials have made traditional classroom learning seem less appealing. Unfortunately, while digital tools can enhance learning, they also contribute to distractions, reducing students’ ability to focus in class.
Many students feel disengaged due to outdated teaching methods, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of interactive learning. If a lecture consists of one-way communication without student participation, learners lose interest. Moreover, a lack of extracurricular activities, rigid attendance policies, and insufficient student-teacher interaction discourage students from attending college regularly. With the rise of digital content, students are moving away from traditional books. Instead of reading textbooks and reference materials, they rely on summarized notes, PDFs, and short online articles. This shift reduces in-depth understanding and critical thinking skills, making classroom discussions less meaningful for students. The traditional habit of spending hours in libraries has diminished, further detaching students from an academic atmosphere.
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes flexibility in learning, multiple exit options, and online courses. While this is a progressive step toward personalized education, it has unintentionally contributed to lower classroom attendance. Students now have access to online courses and self-paced learning, making traditional classroom-based education less attractive. Moreover, the credit transfer system allows students to complete part of their courses remotely, further reducing the need for physical presence in colleges. Studies show that students who attend classes regularly perform better in exams than those who skip lectures. Classroom interactions, discussions, and live problem-solving sessions contribute significantly to conceptual clarity. Regular attendance helps inculcate discipline, punctuality, and responsibility. Students who habitually skip college may struggle with maintaining structure in their daily lives. College is not just about academics; it also helps students develop communication and interpersonal skills. Those who frequently miss college may lack teamwork experience, problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities. Students coming from different areas exchange their ideas while attending the college which plays a vital role in their exposure. Employers value candidates who demonstrate commitment and discipline. Poor attendance records may reflect negatively on students when they enter the job market. Additionally, networking opportunities with professors and peers are lost when students are absent from college.
Colleges should focus on interactive teaching methods, such as project-based learning, case studies, and group discussions. Use of technology like smart classrooms can make learning more engaging. While banning phones is unrealistic, students should be educated on managing screen time and using digital tools for productive learning rather than entertainment.
Students should revive interest in reading through book clubs, reading challenges, and engaging students with contemporary and academic literature. Library infrastructure should be modernized to attract students. While rigid attendance rules may not be the solution, colleges should implement a balance between mandatory attendance and flexible learning. Regular college attendance is essential for holistic development, academic excellence, and career success. While technological advancements and flexible education policies have changed learning methods, they should not replace the benefits of classroom interactions. Colleges and students must work together to create an environment where learning is engaging, discipline is maintained, and students feel motivated to attend classes regularly. Only then can higher education fulfill its role in shaping well-rounded professionals and responsible citizens.

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