India's education system an extortion machine, rejection system: Rahul Gandhi at Kota rally
Politics 17 Jun, 2026

India's education system an extortion machine, rejection system: Rahul Gandhi at Kota rally

Business To Business, New Delhi, 17th June, 2026:   Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sharply criticized India's education system, calling it a "rejection system" rather than a "selection system" and arguing that it imposes excessive financial and psychological pressure on students and their families.
Speaking in Kota, a city known for its large coaching industry catering to engineering and medical entrance examinations, Gandhi said the current education structure is "extremely stressful and unfair."
Key points from his remarks include:

  • He described the education system as an "extortion machine," alleging that students and middle-class families are forced to spend large amounts of money on coaching and preparation.
  • He argued that the system focuses more on eliminating candidates than nurturing talent and potential.
  • Gandhi said young people in India are facing excessive stress, pain, and unhappiness due to intense academic competition.
  • He called for an education model that encourages students to "dream big" and provides broader opportunities rather than creating a narrow, high-pressure pathway to success.
The comments come amid ongoing national debates over competitive entrance examinations, the growing coaching industry, exam-related stress, and the affordability of higher education. Kota, in particular, has frequently been at the center of discussions about academic pressure because thousands of students move there each year to prepare for exams such as NEET and JEE.
Supporters of Gandhi's view argue that the current system places disproportionate emphasis on high-stakes examinations and coaching, while critics contend that competitive exams remain necessary to allocate limited seats in prestigious institutions fairly.
Education reform, exam stress, skill development, and employment opportunities for young people have become major political issues as parties seek to address the aspirations and concerns of India's large youth population.

Related News