Rebuild education system to reduce cost and stress, says Rahul in Kota

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made a powerful statement at a rally in Kota, Rajasthan, on June 17, 2026, calling for a complete overhaul of India's education system. Speaking at the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" Maha Rally, Gandhi criticized the current system for placing undue stress and financial strain on students and their families. He argued that the system is not designed to nurture talent but instead acts as an "extortion machine," extracting significant resources from households while offering minimal returns. His comments came amid growing concerns over the mental health crisis among students and the rising costs associated with academic preparation.

The rally, held in Kota—a well-known coaching hub—was attended by thousands of students preparing for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Kota is home to approximately 1.2 lakh students enrolled in coaching institutes aimed at helping them succeed in these highly competitive tests. During the event, Gandhi engaged directly with five students, including aspiring doctors, engineers, and civil servants, discussing their personal struggles and aspirations. He emphasized that the focus of the rally was not on politics but on addressing the real-life challenges faced by young people seeking a future.

In his speech, Gandhi outlined several systemic flaws within the education framework. He pointed out that the current system forces students down narrow career paths, primarily engineering, medicine, and public service, while stifling other potential interests. According to him, this rigid structure is driven by economic motives, as the system generates substantial revenue through coaching fees, uniform costs, and hostel expenses. He highlighted that the financial burden on families is immense, with some estimates suggesting that students collectively spend up to ₹ 1.32 lakh crore annually on NEET alone, an amount equivalent to the entire education ministry's annual budget.

Gandhi also drew attention to the stark disparity between the number of students attempting these exams and the actual number of successful candidates. For instance, he noted that around 22 lakh students take the NEET exam, yet fewer than one lakh are ultimately selected. This, he argued, creates a sense of hopelessness among students and their families, who invest heavily without guaranteed results. Furthermore, he claimed that the cumulative expenditure on the five most popular exams—SSC, UPSC, RRB, JEE, and NEET—is estimated to reach ₹ 3.5 lakh crore per year, surpassing the combined budgets of several crucial government departments.

The Congress leader also expressed concern over the lack of long-term job security for graduates. He stated that out of every 100 engineers, approximately 80 end up unemployed, highlighting the disconnect between academic achievement and professional opportunity. In response, Gandhi proposed a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at reducing the pressure on students, expanding access to diverse career options, and ensuring that the education system supports rather than hinders ambition.

His remarks sparked both support and criticism. While many students and educators praised his acknowledgment of the system's flaws, some critics accused him of oversimplifying complex educational challenges. Additionally, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections to the rally, arguing that it might divert attention from students preparing for important exams. Despite these mixed reactions, the Congress party has announced plans to launch a nationwide education campaign, with Gandhi set to address similar gatherings in cities such as Allahabad, Patna, and Delhi. The initiative aims to galvanize public support for structural changes that prioritize student welfare and holistic development.