Some civilians, are under the consideration, it is better to take a gap year, prior to attending university. We will look at both the pros, and cons of the issue in question.
Opening up exploration to alternative career paths, and in turn, widening perspective with regard to the current job market, are some of the advantages of taking a gap year. Usually, students choose to take a gap year to prepare well for extremely competitive examinations. The success rate of students who take gap years to appear for these exams, as opposed to those that take it up in the same year of preparation, is higher. There also seems to be a rise, in students who opt for other career opportunities that align well with their future goals. These students have actually utilized the gap year to analyze, and develop themselves, so towards the end of the period, they are more ready than ever to take up subjects of their choice without regret. This, is especially true in case of Indian students, that want to pursue a career in medicine and take a gap year to study for NEET, one of the toughest examinations. They either fare well, and begin their bachelor’s in medicine, or undertake other exciting, but equally challenging subjects such as engineering and move ahead in that direction. It proves beneficial, as the students not only score well in academics, but also have truly grasped the value of the subjects they have chosen to study.
However, there are notable disadvantages to taking a gap year, that in particular, affect the future of students. This is exemplified, especially when female students are in question. Families in India, follow extreme societal norms, that haven’t changed much in comparison to medieval times. Many people are of the strong opinion that marriage, and in turn, taking care of a family, are what a girl should accomplish to be considered – “a good girl”. Indian society, undoubtedly is one of the most toxic environments for girls, as there is more discouragement than encouragement. An idle girl is thought to be a lost cause. To establish the family, and to maintain social status, many parents tend to force the girl to get married in case she takes a leap year, because otherwise, girls will escape according to these people. There are many bright-minded young girls who have taken the perilous risk of choosing a gap year, only to be married off to older men that lack any real values. Therefore, it is truly a drawback to take a gap year in India.
To summarize, although it is a great choice to take a gap year, the surrounding environment, family situation and ever-changing circumstances are to be taken into consideration, before making this life altering decision, as it impacts both the student, and the pupil’s family.