Psychology for Everyone

Arjuna in the Exam Hall

Rohan Deshmukh, nineteen, from Pune, was preparing for a competitive engineering exam. His family had spent years and savings on coaching. A week before the exam, he sat frozen at his desk, hands shaking, mind blank. 'I …

Rohan Deshmukh, nineteen, from Pune, was preparing for a competitive engineering exam. His family had spent years and savings on coaching. A week before the exam, he sat frozen at his desk, hands shaking, mind blank. 'I cannot do this,' he whispered to his grandmother, 'whatever I do will disappoint everyone.'

Aaji did not give a lecture. She told him of Arjuna on the battlefield in the Bhagavad Gita, who put down his bow, trembling, with a dry mouth, unable to act, because the weight of duty and the fear of results crushed him. Krishna did not scold him. He listened, then spoke about doing one's work with full attention while loosening the grip on the outcome. 'Look at the work in front of you,' she said, 'not the whole mountain.'

Rohan found that this idea helped. He made a small plan of hours, not ranks, and practised slow breathing before each session. But his grandmother also saw that his sleep and appetite had gone, and that his panic was not only exam nerves. With his parents, she took him to the college counsellor, who taught him skills for anxiety, and to the family doctor for a check.

On exam day Rohan was still nervous, but he could work. 'Aaji's story reminded me I am more than my result,' he said, 'and the counsellor taught me how to breathe through it.'

How to recognise it

  • Freezing, shaking, blank mind or avoidance before an important task, with fear of failing others.

  • Sleeplessness, loss of appetite and constant worry in the weeks before a big event.

  • Feeling that your whole worth depends on one result.

  • Thoughts of running away, giving up or being a burden.

  • Anxiety that is far stronger than the situation, lasting weeks and affecting daily life.

What this story explains

The chapter reads Arjuna's breakdown as a picture of acute distress and shows teachings such as focusing on action rather than results and equanimity (Gita 2.48). These support meaning and steadiness alongside, not instead of, counselling and medical care.

Probable root causes

  • Heavy pressure from family expectations and competition.

  • Perfectionism and a belief that self-worth equals results.

  • Anxiety, which may run in the family, plus poor sleep.

  • Lack of someone to talk to openly about fear of failure.

What to do

  1. Break the big goal into small daily tasks and focus on today's task.

  2. Practise slow breathing before study and at bedtime.

  3. Talk to one trusted elder or friend about the fear instead of hiding it.

  4. Keep sleep, meals and some exercise even in exam season.

  5. Seek counselling if panic, sleeplessness or hopeless thoughts continue.

Whom to consult

  • College or school counsellor for exam anxiety and study planning.

  • Family doctor if sleep, appetite or panic are affecting health.

  • Clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if anxiety is severe or lasts for weeks.

  • Emergency services or nearest hospital if there are thoughts of ending life.

Do and don’t

Do Don’t
Do focus on effort and process. Don't compare with others' ranks.
Do share your worries. Don't use 'detachment' as an excuse to ignore fear or avoid help.
Do take breaks and sleep. Don't punish yourself for fear.
Do use scripture or stories as comfort, not pressure. Don't skip meals or sleep to study.
Do ask for professional help early. Don't hide thoughts of giving up.

How to behave and communicate

  • Listen first, as Krishna did: 'Tell me what is weighing on you the most.'

  • Say 'Your worth is not your rank. We love you.'

  • Avoid 'Everyone is counting on you'.

  • Offer a story or verse only after listening, and gently.

  • Ask 'What is one small thing you can do today?'