Lol :D Spent half our lives giving exams . Can so relate to this, Guess most Indians can .

Let alone original thoughts, if you remember even different methods to solve the same problem were not encouraged. We would be told, "Follow the textbook method" , or else you would lose marks.

Can't imagine that nonsense carries on to higher studies. For eg, even in the medical field people are enquiring what books to read to score most marks. For heavens sake, just read from anywhere and write from any source as long as it makes sense and helps you understand the concept. In places like the United States you have multiple choice questions which tests your concepts, but here we are required to write super long essays in record time with additional MCQ exams.

On the exam day, you are exhausted to the core. It is like war time with all armaments in place, books, bag, tiffin, coffee, chocolate, glucose et all :D Medical exams were a three day marathon, lasting all day each day... 🤦‍♀️😒