Success in education means different things to students, parents and teachers, revealing a shifting conversation in India’s schooling world. For generations, success was simple: high grades, elite college seats and stable jobs — a formula internalised by students and validated by parents who equate achievement with future security. Excellent marks and top ranks remain the quick shorthand for doing well in school, influencing study habits and family conversations about the future.

But teachers increasingly challenge this narrow definition, arguing that success should also reflect internal motivation, curiosity, resilience and emotional growth — qualities that exam-driven metrics don’t capture. Where students and parents remain focused on measurable outcomes, many educators want the system to value deeper learning, critical thinking and adaptability.

This divergence points to a broader educational transition: a move from rote, performance-centric schooling toward holistic development that prepares learners for complex real-world challenges. Aligning these competing viewpoints — balancing academic achievement with personal fulfilment and life-skills — may be essential for fostering well-rounded learners who thrive beyond exams. It also highlights the need for better communication between parents, teachers and students so that education becomes not just a race for marks, but a journey of growth.