From Toppers to Troubled: The Decline of Intelligence in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and MBBS Colleges

Introduction

India’s top educational institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and government MBBS colleges, are globally recognized for their academic excellence. Every year, lakhs of students compete for a few thousand seats in these institutions. The entrance examinations, such as the JEE and NEET, are designed to filter out only the brightest and most hard-working students. These students are often celebrated as the “cream of the crop,” admired for their extraordinary intelligence, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. Parents, teachers, and society look up to them as future innovators, doctors, scientists, and leaders of India.

A troubling trend has emerged in recent years. Many of these very students, after securing admission, begin to experience a decline in academic performance and overall intellectual sharpness. The sharpness and enthusiasm that helped them crack some of the world’s toughest exams seem to fade away. Instead of growing intellectually, many end up losing their curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation. This article attempts to understand why such a decline happens, what factors contribute to it, and how this problem can be addressed.

The Bigger Picture: Why Does Intelligence Decline?

1. Excessive pressure from curriculum and expectations.
2. Exhaustion and burnout due to years of preparation.
3. Digital distractions that waste mental energy.
4. Substance abuse and lifestyle changes that harm health.
5. Lack of holistic education that limits intellectual growth.
6. Weak mental health support that leaves students helpless.

When Success Becomes a Problem

The journey to IITs, NITs, IIITs, or MBBS colleges is extremely tough. Most students spend two to four years preparing for competitive exams, often studying up to 12–14 hours a day in coaching institutes. They develop problem-solving speed, logical reasoning, and memory power to survive this race. But this journey is so exhausting that by the time they enter the institution; many students are already mentally drained. The paradox is that the very success that secures them a seat often becomes the beginning of their decline. Having achieved their dream, students sometimes lose direction and struggle to find a new goal. Without a clear sense of purpose, their intellectual energy slowly fades. Instead of growing into innovators and leaders, many fall into cycles of boredom, distraction, and underperformance.

One of the biggest reasons for the decline is the extreme academic pressure that students face inside these institutions. The curriculum at IITs and MBBS colleges is notoriously difficult. Professors often assume that students can handle intense workloads because they are “the best of the best.”  The reality is that not every student can cope with the pace.

The constant pressure to perform well in assignments, labs, semester exams, and projects leaves little room for creativity and exploration. Instead of enjoying learning, students begin to see education as a burden. For MBBS students, the long and exhaustive syllabus creates similar problems. This pressure often leads to mental burnout, a state where students feel mentally and emotionally exhausted. Burnout kills curiosity and reduces the ability to think critically, resulting in declining intelligence levels.

Another important factor is the lack of holistic education. Most of these institutions focus heavily on technical or medical knowledge but neglect other aspects of learning, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and problem-solving in real-life contexts. During school and coaching days, students focus only on solving numerical problems or memorizing facts for exams. Once in college, the same pattern continues: rote learning, exam-focused study, and very little room for imagination. As a result, the natural curiosity and creativity of students are never nurtured. A one-dimensional education system ultimately reduces intellectual growth.

Distractions

In the past decade, the rise of smartphones and high-speed internet has added a new challenge: digital distractions. Many students spend long hours on social media platforms, YouTube, online gaming, and even betting apps. What starts as a small source of entertainment soon becomes an addiction. Games like PUBG, Free Fire, or fantasy betting platforms consume precious hours that could be used for productive learning. Social media apps create constant comparison and anxiety, further affecting mental health. Instead of engaging in reading, research, or meaningful hobbies, students spend nights scrolling endlessly or gaming online. This not only affects their concentration but also damages sleep cycles, leading to poor academic performance.

Another rising concern is substance abuse. Many students, away from home for the first time, fall prey to habits like smoking, drinking, or even experimenting with drugs. In elite institutions where peer competition is intense, some students use alcohol or cigarettes as a way to relieve stress or “fit in” with groups. Unfortunately, these habits slowly eat away at mental sharpness, memory, and focus. Students who were once disciplined toppers end up wasting time and energy on self-destructive habits. Combined with late-night lifestyles, irregular eating patterns, and lack of physical fitness, substance abuse further accelerates the decline of intellectual abilities.

Mental Health Crisis

One of the most under-discussed issues in India’s elite colleges is the mental health crisis. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are alarmingly common among students. Almost every year, news emerges about students in IITs or MBBS colleges taking their own lives due to stress or hopelessness. Despite the seriousness of the problem, mental health support in these institutions is weak. Counselling centers are either understaffed or not taken seriously by students, who fear stigma. Professors often lack training in handling students with psychological issues. This lack of a support system pushes many students into deeper trouble. Mental health struggles not only reduce happiness but also severely impact cognitive performance and intellectual growth.

Policy Recommendations and Solutions

To reverse this trend, India’s elite institutions must rethink their approach. Here are some actionable strategies:

1. Mental Health Support: Colleges must create strong counselling centers with trained psychologists available around the clock. Regular workshops on stress management and emotional well-being should be mandatory.
2. Balanced Curriculum: Instead of overloading students with assignments and rote learning, institutions should design courses that allow creativity, research, and hands-on projects. Learning should be linked to real-life applications.
3. Digital Discipline: Awareness programs must educate students about the harmful effects of excessive social media, gaming, and betting. Institutions can promote digital detox initiatives and encourage healthy online habits.
4. Healthy Campus Life: Regular physical activities, sports, yoga, and mindfulness sessions should be encouraged. A fit body supports a sharp mind.
5. Substance Abuse Prevention: Strict rules against drugs, smoking, and alcohol must be enforced. At the same time, students must be given safe recreational spaces to reduce the temptation of harmful habits.
6. Supportive Culture: Professors and administrators should foster collaboration, peer learning, and mentorship rather than unhealthy competition. Students should feel free to seek help without fear of judgment.
7. Career Guidance and Purpose: Institutions should provide mentorship that helps students find purpose beyond grades and exams. When students see meaning in their education, they remain intellectually engaged.