Selecting a good university is crucial but so is selecting the right direction.Â
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With universities in India now opening their gates for the 2026 admissions process, millions of students will soon be making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. For many, this time is associated with with hope and excitement while, for others, it brings uncertainty and anxiety.
The pressure is not caused by just entrance exam but also by friends talking about the colleges to which they wish to apply, parents worrying about career stability, relatives suggesting ‘safe’ careers, and social media highlighting one-sided perspectives on success stories. Amid all this, they are supposed to make decisions regarding their lives without really knowing who they are.
At 17 or 18 years, students are just beginning to figure out their passions, abilities, and dreams. But they are also supposed to determine the direction they will follow for the next decades of their lives. Often, the courses are chosen according to the choices made by one’s friends or the salary potential of the career.
Objectives and implementation
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 acknowledges that everyone is unique and calls for flexibility in teaching, multidisciplinary education, and a learner-centred approach. Clearly, the objective is not to bind individuals through education but to help them exercise discretion in making decisions in line with their potential and capabilities. The need of the hour is to determine how this vision can be integrated into the admissions counselling process.
Mental well-being is another aspect that requires more attention. According to the World Health Organization,adolescence and early adulthood are important stages of life and the process of making life-changing decisions can be stressful for many individuals. During admission season, the combination of high academic performance and peer/family pressure can lead to potential high-stress situations. Career decisions made under pressure tend to have long-term consequences. Students who enrol in courses without genuine enthusiasm tend to earn their degrees but lack motivation and career satisfaction. On the other hand, students who join courses aligned with their abilities and passions have an easier time adapting and building successful careers.
Yet another factor is the parents’ role in decision making. While their input is useful, the job market today is completely different from what it was years ago. Careers in new areas like AI, sustainability, digital media, behavioural sciences, public policy, and entrepreneurship were unheard of just 10 years ago. Families should help their children explore rather than confine them to set career choices.
Counselling sessions
Universities should to go beyond admissions. Career counselling should not just be about informing students about the requirements and course structure but assist them in getting to know themselves better, assessing their strengths, exploring future possibilities, and making decisions with confidence rather than fear. Admission counselling needs to become career counselling.
Educating has never been just about creating graduates but about inspiring people to find their path, build resilience, and contribute to the community. Selecting a good university is crucial but so is selecting the right direction. With another admission season in full swing, the best piece of advice one can give a prospective student is: don’t pick your future by comparing yourself to others. Pick it because of your curiosity and passion.
Admission to a university is not the end but the beginning of a journey of lifelong learning. The best decisions are usually those that have been made with clarity of mind and an understanding of what one really wants to do in life. If students make their decisions in this way, universities can produce not just educated people but also leaders of tomorrow.
The writer is Chairperson, Admission Committee, Birla Global University.
Published – July 10, 2026 05:56 pm IST
