There’s a very specific feeling that arrives every April. It sits somewhere between excitement and dread, the ‘Sunday night feeling,’ but stretched across an entire month. New classes, new teachers, reshuffled friendships, rising expectations. For students, the start of a new academic year is not just a fresh beginning; it’s also an emotional reset that can feel overwhelming.

Fourteen-year-old Aalaya Bhatia from Gurugram describes it simply: “The night before going to school had always felt like ‘Did I complete all of my homework?’ or ‘Wish there was another holiday.’”

It’s a feeling many students recognise, the lingering anxiety of not being fully ready, even before things begin.

What is ‘April anxiety’?

April anxiety isn’t a clinical term, but it captures a very real experience. It’s the mix of uncertainty, pressure, and social shifts that come with starting a new school year. For some, it shows up as overthinking. For others, it feels like nervous excitement.

Sixteen-year-old Aryan Tuli from Noida, who has just finished his board exams and is stepping into Class 11, sees it differently. “I won’t call it a Sunday night feeling; it’s more of a new experience I’ll be tackling. Of course, there are a few butterflies in my stomach. But I’m really excited.”

That contrast matters. April anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s okay.

The triggers: What students actually worry about

For Aalaya, who is now moving into Class 8, anxiety often comes from unpredictability — especially in class. “In Hindi and science, ma’am could call for reading or surprise tests, and that makes me quite........

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