• Dr.P.Gomathi
• Dr.G.Padmapriya
• Dr M.Anuradha
• Mrs. J. Saranya

Women operating within competitive academic systems—whether as students navigating high-stakes examinations or as staff fulfilling academic duties—consistently face the challenge of managing dual professional and domestic responsibilities. This convergence of roles creates a unique set of overlapping pressures that can adversely affect their mental well-being, academic performance, and long-term career persistence. This study synthesizes empirical research from 2022 to 2025 to propose a conceptual, mixed-methods model for understanding this phenomenon. The model illustrates how systemic factors—including rigid institutional expectations, deeply embedded sociocultural norms, and the intense demands of exam-centric cultures—interact to generate distinct stressors for women. The analysis moves beyond identifying challenges to explore the coping mechanisms women employ and the institutional barriers that often hinder their success. Crucially, the review identifies and evaluates evidence-based policy interventions proven to mitigate this strain. The paper concludes with practical, actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers aimed at fostering environments that support women’s psychological health and ensure their equitable participation and success in exam-oriented educational spheres.

Keywords: women; work-life balance; competitive exams; academic staff; stress; higher education; coping strategies

"Dual Roles, Dual Pressures: Women’s Experiences in Education and Exam-Oriented Environments", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.a396-a403, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510052.pdf

"Dual Roles, Dual Pressures: Women’s Experiences in Education and Exam-Oriented Environments", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppa396-a403, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510052.pdf