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Abstract

The transition from academia to employment is a critical phase in a student’s life, often accompanied by significant psychological stress. This study explores the influence of social and institutional factors on placement-related anxiety among students. Social pressures from family, peers, and societal expectations can heighten anxiety levels, particularly when success is narrowly defined by immediate job acquisition. Simultaneously, institutional elements such as placement policies, competition-driven environments, inadequate career support, and unrealistic academic expectations contribute to heightened stress and uncertainty. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and in-depth interviews with undergraduate and postgraduate students, this research identifies key triggers of placement anxiety and examines how different socio-institutional dynamics interact to influence student mental health. Findings highlight the need for more supportive institutional frameworks and a broader societal understanding of career success to mitigate placement-related stress. The study emphasizes the importance of holistic career preparation and mental health support systems in higher education institutions.