11-year-old Sowsthika now spends two hours every day on IIT preparation.
Math equations, chemistry formulas and physics laws take up most of the time of Class VI student Sowsthika. Her parents have enrolled the 11-year-old for entrance coaching for the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) even though she would be eligible to take the exam only seven years later.
School work aside, Sowsthika now spends two hours every day on IIT prep-study and attends a three hour class on weekends.
"I can't play games, I can't watch movies, I can't play games on mobile phone, can't play with my brother and can't spend time with my father and mother," says the class topper.
At least a hundred class VI children have enrolled at the Coaching Centre she goes to.
Her parents are from humble background in rural Tamil Nadu. The 11-year-old's mother is a first generation graduate. Her father is an Associate Professor. They believe this is a sacrifice worth making.
"I want my daughter to go to IIT because it would give her a noble job and a high income. Yes, to get something we have to sacrifice something," said her father Senthil Gavaskar.
Many cite the huge short fall in demand-supply the reason for this kind of a pressure on children. Last year 14 lakh students competed for just 10,000 seats in IITs. This gap is what many say has made entrance coaching centres sought after. Some estimates say it is a whopping Rs 10,000 crore industry.
Ankur Jain, Director Operations, Tamil Nadu and Kerala with FIITJEE, denies children are being pressured and exploited for commercial gain.
"Now a days students are very clear on what they want. At class VI we only supplement what they learn in schools and help them improve their IQ," he said.
However experts are divided on this trend. D Nedunchezhian, CEO, Technocrats India College Finder says, "This is bad. Children are not learning what they are required to learn. They are pressurised."
Already four established IIT coaching schools have set up shop in Chennai. Officials say at least six hundred class VI students sign up every year in Chennai alone.