Kota: From Coaching Capital to Ghost City – Can the City Reclaim its Glory? By Ishita Pandey

Kota: From Coaching Capital to Ghost City – Can the City Reclaim its Glory? 

Kota, once synonymous with academic dreams and success, is now grappling with a harsh new reality. For years, it was known as the “Coaching Capital of India,” a place where over 2 lakh students flocked annually, seeking admission to top engineering and medical colleges. But today, the picture looks grim. With the media increasingly branding Kota as a “Ghost City” or, even more tragically, “Suicide City,” the city’s coaching industry is in steep decline. Student numbers have dropped dramatically, and the city is facing an economic and social crisis.

But how did Kota go from a city of bustling dreams to one filled with vacant hostels and empty coaching halls? What caused this sharp downturn, and more importantly, can Kota turn its fortunes around?

Kota’s Rise: The Coaching Mecca

In its heyday, Kota was nothing short of a mecca for students aspiring to crack the toughest entrance exams. The city was dotted with coaching institutes, big and small, boasting exceptional results and providing a rigorous environment for preparing students for IIT-JEE and NEET. Young minds from across India arrived in Kota, brimming with hope, ready to give their all for a shot at a better future.

This influx of students created a ripple effect on the city’s economy. Hostels, restaurants, transportation services, and local businesses thrived. The coaching industry alone was responsible for generating jobs and supporting livelihoods. It wasn’t just a city for students; it became a city for dreams, aspirations, and a better tomorrow. But success came at a cost.

The Pressure Cooker Environment: A Brewing Crisis

As Kota’s reputation as a coaching powerhouse grew, so did the pressure on students. The highly competitive environment, with its demanding schedules, endless mock tests, and unforgiving expectations, began taking a toll on young minds. Students came to Kota with dreams of cracking exams, but for many, the pressure to succeed became unbearable.

Over the years, reports of student suicides began to rise. Media outlets picked up on the tragic stories, branding Kota as a city where academic pressure could push students to the edge. The grim reality of suicide cases cast a long, dark shadow over the city’s glowing academic reputation. Mental health concerns were often sidelined, and the coaching culture was blamed for being relentless and unforgiving.

But was it only the coaching institutes at fault? The coaching industry thrived on success stories, but society, too, played its part in feeding the high-pressure culture. Are we, as a society, pushing our youth too hard? Have we placed too much importance on academic results, neglecting the emotional and mental well-being of our students? These questions became central to the growing narrative around Kota’s downfall.

The Decline: Kota as a “Ghost City”

In recent years, the student numbers have dwindled drastically, from over 2 lakh students to just around 75,000. Several factors have contributed to this sharp decline. The most obvious is the rise in alternative coaching hubs across India. Cities like Patna, Lucknow, Ranchi, and even some in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have developed their own coaching centers, offering students an option closer to home.

The accessibility of online learning has also played a significant role. With the rise of digital education platforms, students no longer need to travel far from home to receive quality coaching. They can access top-notch teaching and resources from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need to relocate to Kota.

The final nail in the coffin, however, has been the portrayal of Kota in the media. As reports of student suicides increased, the media was quick to label Kota as a “Suicide City,” tarnishing its reputation. How can a city of dreams become a city of nightmares? This label struck fear in the hearts of parents, who began reconsidering whether they should send their children to Kota at all.

Vacant hostels, empty coaching classrooms, and deserted streets have given rise to another label—the “Ghost City.” With fewer students coming to Kota, the city’s once-thriving economy has taken a major hit. Businesses that cater to the needs of students are struggling to stay afloat, and many local jobs are at risk. Is this the end of Kota’s coaching era?

 The Road to Recovery: Can Kota Bounce Back?

Despite the grim picture, Kota’s future is not without hope. The city still has the potential to reinvent itself and diversify its economy. For far too long, Kota has been heavily reliant on the coaching industry. To ensure a brighter future, Kota must explore new avenues of growth.

1. Promoting Tourism: The Chambal Riverfront, Oxyzone Park, and Mukundara Tiger Reserve

One way to revive Kota’s economy is to tap into its tourism potential. The Chambal Riverfront, with its natural beauty and historical significance, could become a major tourist attraction if properly developed. Similarly, the Oxyzone Park, a green oasis in the city, and the Mukundara Tiger Reserve could attract eco-tourists and nature lovers.

By promoting tourism, Kota can diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on the coaching industry. This could create jobs, bring in revenue, and breathe new life into the city.

2. Revamping the Coaching Industry

The coaching industry in Kota isn’t beyond saving, but it needs a complete overhaul. The current focus on relentless pressure and academic results must shift toward creating a more balanced and supportive environment for students. Mental health awareness and counseling services need to be strengthened, and coaching centers must become more student-friendly.

Additionally, introducing regulations to ensure student well-being and limiting the amount of pressure placed on them could change Kota’s image from a city of stress to a city of opportunity.

3. Infrastructure and Connectivity: The Kota Airport

Another major project that could boost Kota’s revival is the long-delayed Kota Airport. Improving connectivity to Kota would make it easier for tourists, students, and businesses to access the city. An airport would not only encourage more people to visit Kota but also make it an attractive destination for investors.

4. Diversifying Education: Beyond Coaching

Kota needs to broaden its educational offerings. Instead of focusing solely on coaching for competitive exams, Kota could become a hub for higher education, research, and vocational training. By attracting universities and colleges, Kota can create a more holistic and diverse education ecosystem that goes beyond just exam preparation.

The Questions for Kota’s Future

As we look at the city’s future, several important questions remain: Can Kota shake off its negative labels and reclaim its position as a city of opportunity? Will the city’s leaders and business owners take the bold steps needed to revive its economy? And most importantly, how will Kota ensure that it never again becomes a city where students lose hope?

While the road ahead may be challenging, Kota’s journey is far from over. The city has an opportunity to rise from its current struggles and forge a new path forward—one that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and provides opportunities for growth and development.

Ishita pandey 

Class 12 Student 

Jaipur, India 

EMAIL:  ishitapandeyauthor@gmail.com

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