IIT Madras scientists found physiological markers (FAA and HRV) that accurately identify students prone to exam stress and anxiety. Discover the natural, proactive strategies for better academic pressure management and improved student mental health.
IIT Madras research
For millions of students facing the daunting reality of exams, the overwhelming pressure known as test anxiety is far more than just “nerves.” It’s a paralyzing force that, according to NCERT data, impacts an estimated 81 percent of Indian students, consistently sabotaging academic potential and long-term well-being. But a groundbreaking study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is changing how the education system views this massive challenge, moving away from purely psychological self-reports toward tangible, objective science.
This pivotal research, recently published in the esteemed journal Behavioural Brain Research, zeroes in on physiological markers—the body’s secret language—to accurately predict test anxiety in students before they even show visible signs of distress. The work marks a seismic shift in exam stress management, providing a powerful scientific foundation for timely intervention and personalized coping strategies.
