Race for marks has become ingrained in our educational culture—students are judged by numbers on a paper rather than true understanding or purpose.

In many societies, intelligence and ability are equated solely with the grades one achieves, but this rigid focus on marks overlooks deeper learning and critical thinking.

This constant race for marks can make it seem like your worth is determined by your score. But, if we step back and think about it, does the race for marks truly reflect our abilities or intelligence, or are we missing the point of real education?

In the society I grew up in, there’s an overwhelming obsession with marks and grades.

I genuinely dislike the fact that intelligence and IQ are often judged solely based on the marks someone scores. People seem to equate marks with knowledge, 

but how ridiculous is that?  

Students are constantly judged by the grades they achieve. It’s as if good grades guarantee a good career or a successful life.

But the truth is, marks only reflect how much effort you put into a particular subject and highlight areas where improvement is needed.  

Marks are not a measure of intelligence, abilities, or knowledge. You can score outstanding grades and still lack true understanding or knowledge.  

Do High Marks Equal Deep Knowledge?

Let me give you an example:  

Suppose you have an exam tomorrow. A day or two before, you work hard— solve important questions, create concise notes, revise multiple times, and practice past papers. 

Chances are, you’ll score above-average marks or even excellent ones.  

But does that mean you’ve gained deep knowledge? 

Does it imply that you understand the “why” behind every concept or know the intricate details and underlying scenarios?  

The answer is BIG NO.  

Knowledge is entirely different. 

For instance, reading two or three articles about a topic doesn’t mean you’ve gained knowledge— it only means you have information. Knowledge requires deep understanding, meaning, and purpose.  

The Misconception About Marks

Unfortunately, most students chase marks because society equates them with knowledge. 

The scope of true education goes beyond memorizing facts; it includes critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations.

But, as Sudha Murthy rightly said:  

Getting first-class marks is different than gaining knowledge. Please remember, parents, your children should be in pursuit of knowledge, not marks. 

This holds true for competitive exams or tough subjects—knowledge always has the upper hand. 

Information vs. Knowledge

We live in a world overloaded with information. If someone asks you the meaning of a word, you can instantly search for it on Google. 

But that does not mean you have knowledge about it.  

Technology and social media have made life easier, but knowledge is something you gain yourself.

It’s about seeking answers to the why, what, and how of things.  

Seek Purpose, Not Just Marks

Imagine a world with more thinkers like Ibn Sina or Abdus Salam—people who sought purpose, guidance, and knowledge.

Marks are not the ultimate goal.

The true pursuit is understanding, learning, and seeking knowledge from diverse sources.  

Have you heard Abdallah Rothman’s journey:  

He came from a family of renowned psychologists.

However, he wanted to understand the meaning of the soul.

To gain knowledge, he traveled the world, exploring various traditions.  He visited temples, Jewish seminaries, shamans, and churches, diving deep into their philosophies.

Eventually, he explored Islamic psychology, where he found answers to his questions.  

Abdallah later embraced Islam and is now the head of the Islamic Psychology Program at Cambridge Islamic College. 

This story teaches us the importance of seeking true knowledge, not just storing information in our brains. 

Create Your Own Path

If everyone else is obsessed with marks, that doesn’t mean you have to be. 

Life isn’t a race where you must follow the crowd. Seek knowledge, think critically, and focus on skills and learning.  

Education is more than transcripts and trophies—it’s a lifelong journey fueled by curiosity, empathy, and purpose. Focus on building skills, asking questions, and understanding the world on your own terms.

Don’t let society’s standards dictate your life.

Instead, create your own path, one driven by curiosity, understanding, and purpose.