[4] FROM CLASSROOMS TO COACHING SILOS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY OF PRE- AND POST-JEE/NEET EDUCATIONAL ECOSYSTEMS IN INDIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES: How to Cite the Article: Jay Dhruv (2026). From Classrooms to Coaching Silos: A Comparative Analytical Study of Pre- and Post-JEE/NEET Educational Ecosystems in India and Their Impact on Adolescent Mental Health, Social Development, and Academic Outcomes. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(5),39-62. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i5.2026.39-62

Dr. Jay Dhruv

Authors

Dr. Jay Dhruv Academician, Researcher & Innovator Gujarat, India.

Abstract

In this paper, the shifting of the Indian senior-school educational ecosystem, based on a school-centered approach, to a coaching-centered approach, based on competitive examinations (like JEE and NEET) will be analyzed. Previously, students typically used to pursue normal education until Class XII where academic studies were mixed with peer communication, sporting, cultural, teacher guidance, and emotional support. Conversely, the current examination based system has promoted development of dummy schools, coaching in Classes VIII-X, excessive study time, excessive testing and less involvement in the normal school life. This paper will examine the impact
of dissociation with school setting on the mental health, emotional stability, social confidence, social development, extracurricular exposure, academic achievement and personality development in the long term. This paper will take a mixed-method analysis survey design that will involve the students, parents, teachers, coaching faculty, counsellors and alumni of regular- school and coaching-dominant background. The main point of interest is to investigate the hypothesis that students will gain more through a balanced
school-based educational approach, as compared to the system of coaching only. The paper posits that India does not have to abolish competitive exams, but it must revert to normal schooling until Class XII as the main educational arena and to control coaching as a support system.

Keywords:

JEE, NEET, Dummy Schools, Adolescent Mental Health, Coaching Culture, Regular Schooling, Academic Pressure, Social Development, Emotional Stability, Educational Reform.