Millions of young Indians spend years preparing for such examinations, often paying for coaching and study materials. But faith in the system has been shaken by repeated allegations of question-paper leaks and other irregularities.

The controversies have fed a wider sense of frustration among young Indians over education, jobs and the increasingly uncertain promise of a secure future. That frustration has also fuelled student-led protests and youth movements demanding changes to India’s education system.

For families such as Ramabai’s, education is something they make sacrifices for every day.

After her husband’s death, she took whatever work she could find. She now cooks at the coaching centre where one of her daughters prepares for police recruitment.

Ramabai’s run also drew the attention of authorities. Earlier this month, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed local officials to provide her with financial assistance of 50,000 rupees.

But Sukhadeo Thorat, a former chairman of the University Grants Commission, says the family’s story points to broader structural challenges.

“If a woman is compelled to struggle so hard for her daughters’ education, it shows that government education schemes are not reaching people adequately,” he said. “Both the central and state governments run a variety of schemes. The problem is that implementation remains weak.”

For Ramabai, though, the debate is secondary. What matters most is ensuring her daughters have a better future.

“I don’t want them to go through the hardships I have faced,” she said. “I don’t want them to struggle through mud or travel under the scorching sun and rain. Whatever I have suffered, I don’t want my daughters to suffer the same.”

Additional reporting by Laignee Barron.

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