Academic Stress And Mental Health Among Senior Secondary Students In India: A Review-Based Study

Abstract

Academic stress has emerged as one of the most significant challenges affecting the psychological well-being of adolescents in India. Senior secondary education, particularly Classes XI and XII, represents a critical period marked by board examinations, competitive entrance tests, career-related decision-making, parental expectations, and increasing academic responsibilities. While educational achievement remains a central objective within the Indian schooling system, the intense pressure associated with academic success often contributes to adverse mental health outcomes among students. This review-based study examines the relationship between academic stress and mental health among senior secondary students in India by synthesizing existing literature, research findings, and contemporary evidence. The paper explores the sources of academic stress, its psychological and behavioral consequences, gender and socio-economic variations, the role of family and school environments, and the need for comprehensive interventions. The review reveals that academic stress significantly contributes to anxiety, depression, emotional distress, sleep disturbances, reduced self-esteem, and burnout among adolescents. The study further highlights the importance of creating supportive educational ecosystems that prioritize mental well-being alongside academic achievement.