As soon as the Class 10th and 12th results are declared, a familiar spectacle unfolds across our streets and screens. Smartphones turn into microphones, cameras into verdict machines, and social media into a noisy courtroom. Self styled Facebook journalists rush from door to door, hunting for toppers, chasing reactions, and manufacturing hype. A student scores high marks and suddenly the narrative suggests that he has touched the sky. The reality, however, is far more fragile and far less glamorous. This kind of raw, unresearched journalism does not celebrate students. It exposes them. These innocent young minds are pushed into the public gaze before they even understand the world they are entering. Early exposure, especially without guidance, often becomes a hurdle rather than a head start. For the sake of a few views, likes, and shares, these so called journalists end up planting expectations that the student may never be prepared to carry. The damage is subtle but deep. What makes this trend more alarming is the complete absence of understanding of the larger picture. These social media reporters rarely possess any knowledge of the economic realities, the social pressures, or the fiercely competitive environment that awaits these students. There is no research, no context, no responsibility. A mobile phone, a mic, and a loud voice are enough to declare oneself a journalist. As a society, we must ask ourselves a serious question. By hyping such pages and encouraging such journalism, are we not complicit in this spectacle?
To understand how hollow this celebration has become, one must look back at the 1990s. During that era, passing matriculation was genuinely respected. If one student in a mohalla cleared Class 10th, people would gather to congratulate him. That respect was rooted in context. There were no coaching hubs, no internet, no guidebooks stacked on shelves, no digital lectures, and no efficient infrastructure. Poverty was widespread and exposure was minimal. In such conditions, passing Class 10th was not just a result. It was resilience, perseverance, and hope combined. Contrast that with today. We live in an age overflowing with resources. Smart classrooms, online platforms, endless study material, private tuition, and coaching centres dominate the educational landscape. Yet we rejoice as if achieving high marks in this resource rich environment is an extraordinary miracle. This exaggerated celebration, stripped of context, becomes a futile exercise. Marking patterns further complicate the issue. In the 1990s, hard marking was the norm. Evaluation was strict, and results were viewed with clarity and seriousness. There was even a popular belief that securing full marks in language subjects was nearly impossible. Marks were deducted without hesitation. Today, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Directions are issued to be generous while evaluating. Soft marking has become an accepted reality. That is why perfect scores like 500 out of 500 are no longer rare headlines. This inflation of marks has created an illusion of excellence, particularly for Generation Z, where numbers look impressive but often fail to reflect real competence. The real test begins when students step into the competitive world. That is where the illusion shatters. Many students who shine on result day struggle to cope with the demands of higher education, professional competition, and the job market. A personal memory illustrates this painfully. In 2018, while travelling in a Tavera from Jammu to Srinagar, the driver shared his story. He had been the second topper of his board in 2006 or 2007. Despite that academic achievement, he was driving a taxi years later. His story was not a failure. It was a mirror reflecting the harsh truth that marks alone do not guarantee direction, dignity, or stability. This is why results must be treated for what they truly are. A milestone, not a destiny. When students are excessively hyped, they are unknowingly pushed into the growing pool of educated but unemployed youth. High expectations lift them briefly, only to dash them back to earth when reality intervenes. The emotional crash that follows is often devastating. Result season also marks a festival of sorts for coaching centres. For them, it is Eid. Banners go up overnight, success stories are selectively showcased, and marketing reaches its peak. Behind the smiling faces and congratulatory posters lies a business model that feeds on anxiety and aspiration. Rarely do these centres talk about long term skill development, adaptability, or real world readiness. The focus remains firmly on ranks and scores.
We are living in an age where skills define survival. Nations with a skilled workforce are shaping global economies, while societies obsessed with certificates struggle to find relevance. Printed marksheets, no matter how impressive, hold little value without practical ability. Celebrating them for a single day and then filing them away is not progress. It is self deception. What our students need is a shift in mindset. They must be prepared for a future that values problem solving, creativity, communication, adaptability, and technical skills. Education should empower them to create opportunities, not merely chase grades. Marksheets should guide, not imprison, their ambitions.
It is time we stop turning education into an algorithm of marks. It is time we end this hollow hype culture and replace it with meaningful mentorship. Let results be simple, sober, and dignified. Let success be measured by growth, skill, and contribution, not by viral videos and inflated applause. Only then can education reclaim its true purpose and prepare our youth for a future that is real, demanding, and full of possibilities.

Email:-----------------------umairulumar77@gmail.com