A Study on Motivation and Burnout Among Tenth-Standard Students in the Present Educational Scenario

Motivation and academic burnout play a crucial role in shaping students’ learning experiences and overall well-being, especially during the secondary school years when academic pressure is high. In recent years, changes in the education system and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased problems such as exam stress, heavy workload, and emotional tiredness among students. Many students still find it difficult to stay interested in their studies, concentrate in class, and meet the expectations of teachers and parents. In this situation, the study was carried out to find out the levels of motivation and academic burnout among tenth-standard students and to understand the relationship between them. The study followed a descriptive and correlational research design and included 100 tenth-grade students. Data were collected using motivation and academic burnout scales, along with open-ended questions to understand students’ experiences better. The findings showed that students experienced moderate to high levels of academic burnout, mainly due to exam pressure and emotional exhaustion. At the same time, students showed high motivation, which was mostly influenced by grades, parental expectations, and future goals rather than enjoyment of learning. Female students reported higher burnout than male students, while motivation levels were similar for both. The results also showed a negative relationship between motivation and burnout, meaning that higher burnout was linked to lower motivation. Academic pressure was found to be a major reason for both burnout and reduced motivation. The study highlights the importance of supportive teaching methods and balanced academic expectations to help students stay motivated and reduce stress.