Why Is Kota Hated? The Truth No One Talks About

-by Dr. AK Rana Kota, known as India’s coaching hub, has been a stepping stone for thousands of engineers and doctors. Yet, in recent years, it has faced severe criticism.

People blame the city for student stress, suicides, and commercialization of education. But is Kota really the culprit?

Absolutely not!

I’m not writing this for headlines or to chase views and followers. Unlike many influencers in India who don’t even know the “A” of education yet have the audacity to speak on it, I am here to talk facts.

Recently, I heard someone say:

“I don’t understand why parents send their kids to Kota. How could they be so cruel?”

A shallow statement from someone trying to get a little limelight on their account. And they are not alone. The media says whatever they want—because it’s their liberty. But let’s not ignore one harsh truth:

Negativity sells in this country.

People don’t unite to celebrate something, but they will readily hold hands to criticize it. Hate spreads faster than appreciation. But before jumping on the hate bandwagon, let’s analyze the real reasons behind student struggles in Kota.

The Real Reasons behind Students Struggle in Kota

1. The Self-Blame Trap

A student is sent to Kota, filled with dreams and ambition. But soon, they find themselves struggling to keep up. They feel lost in the race, get nervous, and look for ways to escape—sometimes in ways they shouldn’t. They waste time, procrastinate, and when exams approach, regret sets in. The realization of wasted time and money hits hard, leading some to take a devastating step.

2. Parental Pressure & Comparison

A student works hard but still lags behind. Instead of support, they face comparison. Parents, eager to boast about ranks at kitty parties or among relatives, pressure their child even more.

“Look at Sharma ji’s son—he scored better than you!” they say.

In this constant race to prove themselves, the student loses self-confidence and motivation.

3. The Burden of Expectations

Many students in Kota aren’t just studying—they’re carrying their family’s entire future on their shoulders. Their parents constantly remind them of the sacrifices made for their education.

“We have invested so much in you—don’t let it go to waste!”

The child is not only preparing for exams but also fighting an invisible battle of guilt and pressure. Eventually, the burden becomes too heavy.

4. The ‘No Happiness Allowed’ Rule

Students are told to forget hobbies, friendships, and even mental well-being for these two years. Parents demand a 24×7 study schedule, believing that one slip means lifelong failure. The child is repeatedly told:

“Your future depends on these two years. If you fail, there’s nothing left in life.”

Day by day, their happiness fades. And when happiness disappears, darkness takes over.

5. Forced Dreams & No Plan B

Not every student in Kota dreams of becoming an engineer or doctor. Some are there only because their parents forced them into it. They spend years preparing, failing, and repeating the cycle, while their families refuse to acknowledge:

“It’s okay to take another path.”

For some, this realization comes too late.

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So, Who’s Really to Blame?

Yes, all these students were in Kota. But does that make Kota responsible?

By that logic, should we blame every school where a student fails? Should we blame every workplace where an employee struggles? Kota is not the villain—it is a city of knowledge and dreams.

This city has given the country some of its best doctors and engineers. It has nurtured brilliance. Yes, the competition is tough, but no race is won without effort. Even if the whole universe supports you, you must still do the work.

And yet, the students who make it—who achieve success—rarely stand up for Kota.
Why?
Because they associate it with struggle.
They want to erase those years from their memory. They felt suffocated, and when they finally left, they felt free.
But in forgetting the pain, they also forget the importance of that struggle.

The Commercialization of Knowledge Argument—Is It Even Valid?

Some people argue that education in Kota has become a business. To them, I ask:

Is there a single profession in this world where people don’t earn money?

Doctors, engineers, artists, business owners—everyone works to make a living. Should we stop using Amazon, Myntra, or Flipkart because they are businesses?

Knowledge is valuable, and coaching institutes provide guidance, discipline, and resources. The problem is not commercialization—it’s the mindset that turns education into a burden rather than an opportunity.

Kota does not promise success; it provides the tools to work toward it. What students and parents do with those tools is up to them.

The Real Solution: Better Guidance, Not Blame Kota

Rather than blaming Kota, let’s focus on what truly matters:

Parents: Instead of comparing ranks, hug your child. Encourage them. Let them know they matter more than any exam.

Students: It’s okay to struggle. You are not in a race against others—only against your past self. Progress matters more than perfection.

Media & Influencers: Stop sensationalizing struggles for views. Share the full picture, not just the dark side.

Kota is not the problem. It is a city filled with students laughing, studying, and chasing their dreams. Instead of tearing it down, let’s support those who come here to learn.