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Please note that some regions in Northern and Western India may experience temporary service disruptions due to ongoing security measures near the borders.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.
Building Emotional Intelligence in Students for Academic Success
Ask any teacher what truly makes a student thrive, and you’ll hear answers beyond marks—things like resilience, self-awareness, and empathy. These are all parts of something we rarely talk about in schools, but urgently need to: emotional intelligence in students.
In India, our education system has long focused on grades and exams. But emotional intelligence—or EQ—is what helps students stay calm under pressure, handle failure, understand their own feelings, and connect better with others. And that’s not just good for mental health—it’s directly linked to academic performance.
Think of a student sitting in an exam hall. Two things are being tested: their preparation and their emotional state. The best-prepared student can still blank out if they’re anxious. On the other hand, a student with strong emotional regulation can stay focused even under stress. That’s the power of EQ.
So what exactly does emotional intelligence in students mean? It includes recognizing your emotions, managing them, understanding others’ feelings, and building healthy relationships. These skills aren’t taught like algebra or grammar, but they can be nurtured through consistent practice—both at home and in school.
Schools that prioritise social-emotional learning (SEL) are already seeing the difference. CBSE, through its Health and Wellness Curriculum and Life Skills Education, encourages activities that promote self-reflection, teamwork, and communication. These aren’t just add-ons; they’re essential. A group project teaches negotiation. A classroom conflict becomes a chance to understand perspectives. Even journaling or classroom discussions can foster self-awareness.
At home, parents play a crucial role. When children are encouraged to talk about their day—beyond just “how were your marks?”—they begin to feel seen. Asking questions like “What made you feel proud today?” or “Did something frustrate you?” helps children name their emotions and reflect on them.
And what does all this mean for academic success? Studies, including those referenced in NCERT and UNESCO reports, have found that students with higher emotional intelligence show improved focus, motivation, and problem-solving abilities. They are more likely to participate in class, recover from poor performance, and work well in teams.
For adolescents, a stage where peer pressure, identity, and academic stress collide, EQ becomes a safety net. Instead of bottling up emotions or reacting impulsively, emotionally intelligent students pause, reflect, and respond wisely. That’s a skill that benefits them in exams, interviews, and every major decision in life.
To build emotional intelligence in students, we don’t need a new textbook—we need a new mindset. One that values feelings alongside facts, and reflection alongside results.
Because at the end of the day, education isn’t just about preparing for a test. It’s about preparing for life—and EQ is what makes that learning truly complete.
