Getting admission into a college of one's choice has become so stressfull and burdensome these days that about 86% students of standard XII and 62.5% of standard X are fighting off nervousness and anxiety disorder, says a latest survey.

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According to the survey, conducted by industry body ASSOCHAM, Science students have highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress, followed by Commerce and Arts students. Science students' routine is much more taxing with additional coaching and training for entrance exams.

Stress among standard XII students are significantly higher than that of standard X. Moreover, burden of parents' expectations weighs significantly in higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, finds the survey 'Admission stress among XII and X class students' by the ASSOCHAM Education committee council.

The patterns of stress-related behaviours found among these students include lack of sleep, lack of exercise, poor eating habits etc. Due to stress, about 62.5% of teens are feeling irritable or angry; 36.5% nervous or anxious. Teen girls reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than the boys, adds the survey.

Only about 37% of teens surveyed exercise or walk to manage stress; 28% play sports. Many more choose less healthy activities including playing video games (46%) and spending time online (43%).

Among standard XII students who scored above 75 percent, despite the high score, majority were found to be under high levels of stress, worried about seat in a reputed college and ending up in a promising career. The findings are based on a survey of more than 1,200 standard XII students and 1,000 standard X students of Delhi.

According to Dr B K Rao, chairman of ASSOCHAM Health Committee Council, 'extreme' stress levels could develop into chronic stress and chronic illness.

The paper further suggests that schools should offer counselling for students, teachers and parents and conduct psychological education programmes to raise awareness.