Will gap year due to academic disruptions be a wise choice

Will gap year due to academic disruptions be a wise choice

The stress and anxiety over continuously postponed college entrance exams and admissions is leading students to consider taking an academic break this year, reports Shivangi Mishra

27.07.2020

For Siddharth Singh, 18, the plan this year was to score above 90% and study Political Science in Delhi University (DU). While he did score 92% in the recently declared ICSE board class XII results, Siddharth is not very sure about his initial plans due to continuous disruption and delays in the academic cycle. He has now decided to drop a year to prepare for CLAT to join LLB degree next year instead of Political Science. For several other class XII students who passed board exams this year, economic disruption, the stress and anxiety over continuously postponed college entrance exams and admissions, uncertainty of career choices is prompting them to take a gap year.

Rajesh Vashisth, a teacher counsellor with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), says that several students raise this question with CBSE counsellors every day. “Dozens of jittery students call in everyday to know more about securing an admission amid the pandemic. They are pondering over waiting and seeking admission next year when hopefully situation will normalise,” says Vashisth. He, however, says that there is no reason for students to skip a year due to the circumstances as the new academic session will start soon, even if it happens online. Also, next year the competition to get into colleges will get tougher with many planning to put their academic journey on hold this year, says Vashisth. “If the gap year is preplanned then a student should go ahead but if they are considering the option because of the Covid situation, it is advisable that they do not set back a year in their academic journey,” he adds.

Second-guessing career choices

Agrees Swati Salunkhe, a Mumbai-based career counsellor. She says, “While students have undoubtedly grown tired and anxious because of past events, taking a gap year needs surety, discipline and planning.” Most of the students enquiring about a gap year are those second guessing their career choices or the ones who very clearly want to ace competitive exams such as JEE, NEET or CLAT. The delay in the exams has affected the preparation of many students.

“With the lockdown paralysing several industries and causing job cuts and high unemployment, several parents want students to reconsider their career paths. In this situation, taking a gap year can benefit in charting out future course,” says Salunkhe. For those using the gap year to enhance their preparation, the biggest roadblock students face during their drop year is dip in motivation to follow a strict study routine. It is thus important to evaluate your own persistence and resilience.

What to keep in mind

Salunkhe says that students must be aware that while applying for admissions next year, they will have to produce gap certificates and new character certificates which will require some additional efforts. Also, students should keep in mind that a gap year is a financially straining decision if one plans to pursue preparatory coaching classes for another year. “They should be very clear about their goals of the future,” she says.

Vashisth also points out that in our academically driven society, gap years are frowned upon. “Young adults are expected to complete their education within certain years and get settled with career and family. Taking a gap year is often seen as a failure than a choice.” Students must ensure they do not fall prey to such peer pressure.