Complexity, Chaos and Choice
Making sense of the whirlwind of the test prep industry
Big O notation, used in computer science is often used to donate the worst case scenarios for algorithm run-times, based on the size of the input it’s provided. Unfortunately, for young high school, college aged and early career professionals in India, the options overload provided by the test prep industry have capacities to put Big O complexity to shame, with the amount of chaos they can generate, creating anxiety in the choice that a young student makes.
Choice paralysis often occurs when our brains struggle to make sense of the sheer number of options available. This sometimes leads to indecision, anxiety and even complete inaction.
An upcoming contention that most students will have to deal with is AI educators. With both local players and popular LLMs like Claude for Education this week, proposing to create an ecosystem bolstered by university-wide partnerships, back-end integration into popularly used LMS systems and an API credit granting ambassador program, we’re waiting to see these technologies be applied effectively on a globally adopted scale. As a technology designed to the intellectual heavy lifting, it’s worth considering how effectively it can understand the psychological contexts of students sitting on the other side of the screen.
What about the Indian Context?
For now, the Indian education system continues to witness hundreds of thousands of students go through the entrance exam season, all with ambitions of fulfilling their potential, carrying the dreams of their families in their abilities to perform on the examination day. National examinations like the IIT JEE, NEET and CAT have become institutions in their own right, and often become a core part of the career trajectory in their professional lives. Still to this day, a higher grade, percentage or percentile often translates to greater career success. With the amount of individuals taking these exams, we see equally bright and capable students missing out on their choices, only by a couple of marks.
In their attempt of preventing this abominable future, we see the emergence and engagement with the test prep industry - a formidable beast of business looking at a potentially giant pool of clients, starting from as young as fourteen or fifteen years of age. With legacy players like TIME founded in 1992 and emerging players in the ed-tech space like iQuanta garnering momentum, we’re witnessing a plethora of options, systems and tools, to be chosen by a family at a formative age, that can shape their child’s educational and professional future.
If you’re a student/parent in 2025, looking at this open map and trying to throw the perfect dart to land at the perfect destination, here are some things to consider:
Think ‘Delivery’ and ‘Flexibility’: Navigating the test prep industry, especially with such high stakes examinations, can feel overwhelming. If you’re a student or working professional, consider a live-classes based, flexible program that’s powered by AI analytics, to manage your time better. If you feel you’ve got a large chunk of time you can devote, you’d be better off with a physical approach.
Focus on ‘Quality’ of materials: Prioritise programs that offer robust study materials and mock examinations. Competitive examinations often test timing and accuracy, so being equipped to handle those aspects in conjunction with a test of your intelligence is an important aspect to consider.
Manage your ‘Costs’: Affordability can be an issue for many Indian families when it comes to the test prep industry, so be on the lookout for discounts or payment through instalments when enrolling in paid programs.
Always be ‘Self-Learning’: We’ve heard stories about students who’ve cracked the code of these examinations through YouTube lessons and free materials. It’s important to note that these are the exceptions and not the norm. Even if you’ve invested into a test prep program, always leave out time for self-study, especially in subjects that you’re strong in. This allows you to develop speed, accuracy and reduce nerves on the big day.
Beat the ‘Burnout’: Given the intensity of both the examination and the preparation that students devote to it, burnout can get very real, very fast. Consider scheduling in time for breaks and physical activity, not only to avoid the monotony but keep yourself motivated for the journey ahead. Consider platforms where you can access class/lesson recordings later, if you need refreshers or last-minute prep. Depending on how you start, it’s important to consider whether you’re better at a marathon or a sprint.
If you’re a parent, a young student in school/college or even an early stage working professional, consider checking out iQuanta and their communities on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. There’s something cool brewing here and we want students to have the best view. Come grab your seats!