A STUDY ON IMPACT OF STRESS EXPERIENCED BY ASPIRANTSabsttract

Background: Competitive exams like NEET and JEE are seen in India as gateways to prestigious careers, leading to the expansion of residential coaching centres. While these centres provide academic training, the intense pressure, hostel restrictions, and parental expectations often generate high stress with long-term mental health consequences. Aim: This study examined the impact of stress experienced by aspirants during residential coaching in Kerala and its influence on their academic, emotional, and personal development. Methodology: A descriptive reserach design was used, and data were collected from 83 participants through a socio-demographic schedule, a structured questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: Findings indicated that most participants faced significant stress, reflected in loss of self confidence, low self-esteem, academic decline, and emotional difficulties. About 18.1% sought professional mental health support, and 20.5% reported suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies. Parental support emerged as a protective factor, while hostel restrictions, particularly reduced communication with family, were strongly associated with fear of failure and heightened anxiety about the future. Conclusion: The study concludes that residential coaching exerts lasting negative effects beyond academics, impacting emotional and personal well-being. Reforms in coaching and hostel practices, improved support systems, and integration of counselling services are essential to safeguard aspirants’ mental health. The findings underscore the role of social work interventions in promoting resilience and holistic growth within competitive learning environments