Kota: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday described India's education system as an "extortion machine" and a "rejection system", alleging that it imposes excessive financial and emotional burdens on students and their families.

Addressing the "Chhatron ki Goonj" Maha Rally in Kota, a major coaching hub for engineering and medical entrance examinations, Gandhi said the current education system was "extremely stressful and unfair".

"India's education system is an extortion machine. We want a system that allows you to dream big," he said, adding that young people in the country were facing immense pressure, stress and uncertainty.

The Congress leader said the existing system pushes students towards a limited number of career options, including engineering, medicine and civil services, while discouraging alternative aspirations.

"Why is India only asking children to do five things? The answer is money, because the system makes money through these five routes," he alleged, referring to examinations conducted by the SSC, UPSC, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), JEE and NEET.

Gandhi claimed that families collectively spend around Rs 3.5 lakh crore annually on these five examinations through expenditure on schooling, coaching institutes, hostels and related costs.

He alleged that nearly 22 lakh students appear for NEET each year and collectively spend around Rs 1.32 lakh crore, an amount comparable to the Union Education Ministry's budget allocation.

Citing intense competition in major examinations, Gandhi said only a small percentage of candidates secure admission or employment despite significant financial investments.

"For NEET alone, around 22 lakh students appear, but less than one lakh get selected. These are extremely difficult odds," he said.

Calling for structural reforms, Gandhi said the education system should help students pursue their aspirations at the lowest possible cost.

"The job of India's education system should be to help every student fulfil their dream," he said.

During the programme, Gandhi interacted with NEET, JEE and civil services aspirants and their parents on issues such as preparation, expenditure and employment prospects.

Kota, represented in the Lok Sabha by Speaker Om Birla, hosts nearly 1.2 lakh students preparing for NEET and JEE examinations.

According to a Congress release, Gandhi will lead a nationwide campaign on education issues, including alleged examination irregularities and demands for accountability from the Centre.

Ahead of the event, the Congress accused the BJP of discouraging students from attending the rally, while the BJP questioned the timing of the programme ahead of the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21.