A viral video by Bengaluru-based American tech professional Tony Klor has sparked fresh conversations online about the intense academic competition faced by students in India.
In the video shared on X, Tony Klor recorded a roadside board displaying names and marks of top-performing students. Visibly stunned by the extremely high scores, many touching 99 per cent, he joked that he could never have survived as a student in India.
“This is why I could have never freaking made it as a student in India,” he said in the clip while reacting to the marks. Reading out the names and percentages, he humorously remarked, “Tanishka, 99.3%. Tanishka, leave a little bit for the homies.”
As he continued scanning the board, he praised the students while expressing disbelief at the level of competition. “These hudugis are on top always,” he added while reading another student’s score.
The video quickly gained attention on social media, with many users discussing the growing pressure on students to secure near-perfect marks in board examinations and college admissions.
Several commenters pointed out that even students scoring above 99 per cent often struggle to secure admission into top-tier colleges due to the highly competitive system.
Others criticised the education structure for focusing heavily on marks rather than creativity, practical skills and personal growth.
One social media user commented that the competition has become so extreme that academic scores are now treated as the main benchmark of intelligence in society. Another user observed that despite years of hard work and exceptional marks, many students still face uncertainty in finding well-paying jobs.
The viral clip has once again highlighted concerns around academic stress, societal expectations and the need for a more balanced and skill-oriented education system in India