PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Following the recent declaration of results by the Uttarakhand Vidyalayi Shiksha Parishad (UVSP), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), Indian School Certificate (ISC) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class X, parents and students in Dehradun have expressed concerns over the uncertainty in selecting subjects and career options.
Students reported confusion about choosing streams that align with their interests versus those that meet parental expectations and parents have shared similar apprehensions. To address these concerns, CBSE counsellor and neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta advised parents to support their children in selecting subjects and careers based on their aptitude and interests.
One parent, Yashika Mamgain, shared that her son recently completed Class X under ICSE. He now has to choose between science and commerce for further studies. Mamgain expressed her preference for the science stream, believing it offers better career options in the future, but she is worried because her son wants to pursue commerce. She expressed concern and anxiety about her son’s choice regarding his future.
Another parent, Manveer Singh, stated that his daughter wants to pursue other language course, while he wants her to study engineering (B.Tech). He noted that conflicts at home regarding her career choices have become a worrisome issue.
Many parents echoed these concerns. Additionally, some students raised apprehension, expressing confusion about whether to choose career options or subjects based on their own interests or those of their parents. A student, Sahil Singhal, said that he has an interest in sports and wants to continue a career in that field, but his parents want him to pursue other courses. He conveyed his confusion over whether to follow his parents’ wishes or his own passion.
In response, Gupta stated that this is a very crucial time for students. Instead of pressuring their children, parents should be supportive and guide them in searching for suitable courses. She suggested that parents encourage their children to take online aptitude tests to identify their interests and aptitudes. Based on these results (children’s aptitude and interest), she urged parents to support and motivate their children in choosing subjects after Class X or career options after Class XII. Gupta emphasised that pressuring children or influencing them to choose different subjects or career paths against their will can lead to conflicts, depression and negatively impact their mental health. To prevent this, she urged parents to be supportive during this pivotal time.
