09 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pune, Manoj Patil offers reassurance rather than textbook advice. Pic/By Special Arrangement
As board examinations draw closer, anxiety, pressure, and unrealistic expectations often grip not just students, but families as well. At this critical time, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pune, Manoj Patil offers reassurance rooted in lived experience rather than textbook advice.
A senior IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, Patil is known for disciplined policing and administrative reforms. His views on education, failure, mental health, and life choices resonate deeply because his own academic journey was far from perfect.
He recalled scoring just 55 per cent in his Std X SSC board exams. "That did not mean I was incapable," he explained. "In Std XII, I worked hard and scored over 90 per cent in the science stream. I was eligible for both medical and engineering courses and was on the merit list."
Patil went on to study Computer Science Engineering at Walchand College of Engineering, graduating in 1992. "If I had judged myself only by my Std X results, I would never have reached where I am today," he said. "Scoring fewer marks in one year does not end your life or career."
"Exams are not your entire life," Patil said. He strongly criticised the growing trend of students slipping into depression after difficult exams. "It is completely wrong for students to lose hope or take extreme steps. Suicide is never the answer."
Parents and teachers, he added, play a crucial role. "They must repeatedly tell children that exams alone do not decide a career. A student may not excel academically but could be outstanding in other fields. That does not mean they should stop studying. It means marks are not the only measure of worth."
Patil also speaks about unrealistic expectations. "Today, many parents insist on specific marks. Even a difference of two or four marks causes disappointment. Often, expectations are not realistic."
"Every child is unique," he said. "Parents and teachers must understand that." While marks may help secure a first job, Patil stresses that long-term success depends on behaviour, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
One of Patil's biggest concerns is emotional isolation among students. "If a child is withdrawn or depressed, it is extremely important to talk to them and encourage them to open up." He urged families not to ignore behavioural changes and to seek professional help when needed. Patil explained how anxiety often sabotages even well-prepared students. "Many students blank out while writing papers. After the exam, they say, âI knew this, but I didn't write it.'"
Exam writing, he believes, is a skill. "Read the question carefully. Understand what is being asked. Write answers according to the demand of the question. Writing without clarity only increases fear." Patil also warned against reducing education to rote learning. "You may mug up answers and score marks, but understanding is what truly matters."
