The present reservation structure is fundamentally unfair to candidates who do not belong to any reserved category. They have access only to the open category pool, whereas candidates from reserved categories can compete for seats within their respective reserved quotas and can also secure open category seats on merit.
Some children may struggle to cope with the intense academic demands of highly competitive institutions. We should not blame or label them for that. Instead, our education system should provide flexible pathways and dignified exit options so that students can move smoothly to a level or course that better suits their abilities and interests. No academic standard should come at the cost of a young person’s mental well being or life.