14/05/2025
More Than Just a Marksheet: Why We Need to Stop Obsessing Over 90%
From the heart of a school counsellor
Every year, without fail, the same story plays out.
Board exam results are out. Social media lights up with celebration posts — “My child got 98%!”, “Topper of the school!”, “Cut-off crossed 99%!” It should be a time of joy. And for many, it is. But for just as many students — the ones who got 88%, or 75%, or even 60% — it becomes a time of quiet disappointment, tears behind closed doors, and the sinking feeling of not being good enough.
As a counsellor, I see that side. The side that doesn’t make it to the headlines.
I see the student who studied day and night but still fell short of “the magic number.” I see the child who once loved learning but now feels like a failure because their score didn’t match someone else’s expectations. I see the shame, the guilt, the anxiety — all because of a percentage.
When Did 90% Become the Bare Minimum?
Let’s be honest. We’ve made board marks into some sort of identity tag. Scored above 90%? You’re “brilliant.” Didn’t? “You could’ve done better.” It’s become this invisible line that determines how seriously we take a student’s future — or even their worth.
But here’s the thing no one says enough: Your marks are not your measure as a person. Not your intelligence. Not your potential. And definitely not your value.
Numbers Don't Tell the Full Story
A 94% doesn’t mean the student is happy. An 82% doesn’t mean they’re lazy. And a 60% doesn’t mean they won’t do something incredible in life. Numbers can’t capture a child’s creativity, empathy, determination, humour, or resilience.
I’ve had students who can calm a distressed peer with a kind word. Others who light up a room with their art, or who quietly help at home without ever being asked. These things may not show up on a marksheet, but they matter — so much more than we realise.
What Are We Really Teaching Our Kids?
We say education is about learning — but are we showing them that in practice? Or are we just telling them, “Study so you can score well,” without asking, “What did you enjoy learning today?”
When we constantly ask, “Kitne marks aaye?” we send an unspoken message: Your value depends on your marks. And that’s dangerous. Because when a child believes that, their entire self-esteem rises and falls with one exam result.
To Parents — With Compassion
I know you want the best for your children. I truly do. But please remember — the best isn’t always found in the highest score. The best is found in confidence, in curiosity, in kindness. The best is when your child feels safe telling you, “I tried my best,” without fearing judgment.
Celebrate effort, not just outcome. Hug them when they get 75%. Tell them you’re proud when they give their 100% — even if the result wasn’t what you or they hoped for.
To Students — You Are Enough
If you’re feeling low because your result didn’t meet someone’s expectations — even your own — I want to say this to you: It’s okay. You did not fail. You are not a disappointment. You are a whole, capable, wonderful human being with so much more to offer this world than just a number.
Please don’t let a percentage dim your spark. Life is long. Marks are just a moment.
Let’s Change the Conversation
It’s time to let go of this toxic number game. Let’s stop glorifying 90% as the only version of success. Let’s start asking better questions:
“What did you learn about yourself this year?”
“What subject made you curious?”
“How can we support your goals, no matter what your marks say?”
Let’s remind our children — and ourselves — that success isn’t just about topping a chart. It’s about growing, learning, stumbling, getting up, and finding your own path.
Because no child should feel small for not getting 90%.
Because education should be about more than just marks.
Because every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued — just as they are
