Do you recall the days when studying were a solitary experience, with books and cups of caffeine-fueled all-nighters? When the only “role models” in the education system were the legendary toppers, whose struggles were a mystery? Fast-forward to 2026, and the scenario has undergone a paradigm shift. The “Jeetu Bhaiya” effect, a phenomenon that was born out of the popular OTT series, has ensured that education is no longer just about scoring; it’s about the unfiltered experience, which is now accessible to anyone who has a device.
For aspiring educators, choosing the best B.Ed college in Jaipur has become just as important as gaining inspiration from these modern learning experiences.
The Classroom Has No Walls Anymore
The cultural earthquake that was brought about by shows such as Kota Factory and Aspirants was not merely a function of engaging storytelling but also one of resonance. What was it about a black-and-white show about chemistry equations that resonated with the entire nation? Why did the struggles of UPSC aspirants capture the imagination of an entire generation? The answer, of course, is in the paradigm shift from seeing education as a competitive burden to a personal journey.
OTT platforms have transcended the mere act of binge-watching; they have brought about a new era of “Binge-Learning.” They are filling a massive void that could never be filled by the traditional textbook and classroom learning: the human aspect of the struggle, the emotional rollercoaster of ambition, failure, and tenacity. These shows are a looking glass into the world of students, reflecting the fears, hopes, and successes that were previously unspoken.
From “Syllabus” to “Story”: What’s Changing?
The most profound impact of the “Jeetu Bhaiya” effect lies in its ability to transform abstract academic pursuits into compelling narratives.
Humanizing the ‘Topper’ and the ‘Grind’
For so long, the “topper” was a sort of legend, someone who was impervious to pressure and uncertainty. The OTT series has broken this myth. Series such as Kota Factory depict in detail the 2 AM meltdowns, the fear of failure, and the sacrifices that students make. They reveal the reality that for every success, there are hundreds of students who fail, and the way they cope with it. This representation makes it easier for students to cope with the struggles because it is no longer a lonely fight. We witness the amount of work that goes into it, the planning, and the emotional investment, making the “grind” a reality.
The Mentor Archetype: Empathy Over Authority
Perhaps the most important impact of this new wave of edutainment is the shift in the mentor figure. The distant and lecturing mentor is now a thing of the past. In comes the “Jeetu Bhaiya” – the mentor and friend who knows and understands without judging. This figure, as portrayed by Jitendra Kumar in Kota Factory, represents the new wave of mentorship that is more about understanding than about lecturing. He’s not just teaching physics; he’s teaching life skills, how to cope, and how to be confident. This has quietly but profoundly shifted the way in which students now expect their mentors to act: as a trusted confidant who can guide them not only through the process of education but also through the process of adolescence and young adulthood.
Normalization of Failure: A “Restart” is Always Possible
One of the most significant themes that have been incorporated into these storylines is the theme of normalization of failure. Shows such as 12th Fail and Laakhon Mein Ek have the temerity to display the failure, rejection, and struggle of having to begin all over again from scratch. These shows also have the theme that “Restart” is always an option, lessening the enormous social pressure to succeed the first time around. This theme is absolutely priceless in a society where failure is something to be embarrassed about. By depicting the characters as having failures, setbacks, and ultimately succeeding, these shows have one of the most significant themes of all: failure is not the end, but the beginning of the journey to success.
Behavioral Shifts: The Impact on Reality
The influence of these OTT series extends far beyond the screen, instigating tangible behavioral shifts in students, parents, and even society at large.
Changing Parental Perspectives
These series of shows offer an “invaluable bridge” for parents, as they offer them an “unprecedented insight” into the realities of modern-day student life. They focus on the academic pressure, the competition, and, more importantly, the mental health problems that their children are going through. Shows that focus on the training schedules of these coaching centers, the loneliness, and the toll on mental health can go a long way in inducing a better understanding and empathy from the parental side. This can go a long way in inducing a better dialogue about mental health and not just an academic environment.
Social and Financial Literacy: Beyond Textbooks
Who would have thought that a web series could start a national dialogue on financial markets or scientific history? Scam 1992, for example, was able to take financial terms and incorporate them into a narrative that sparked a passion for the stock market in Gen Z. Rocket Boys, for example, not only educated the audience on the scientific history of India, but it made science something to look forward to, something exciting, rather than something like “dry” subjects like history or math.
Habit Formation and Productivity Hacks
Ironically, it is a dialogue from Kota Factory that has become a productivity aid for many people in real life: “21 din mein koi bhi aadat ban jaati hai” (any habit forms in 21 days). Although it is a fictional series, it has been able to impart the viewer with the morals of discipline, consistency, and goal setting. The students who watch these series are able to learn study habits, time management, and even motivational quotes that they apply to their lives.
The “Edutainment” Trap: A Word of Caution
While the “Jeetu Bhaiya” effect has largely been positive, it’s crucial to acknowledge its potential pitfalls.
Romanticizing the Struggle
It is a thin line between depicting a struggle in a realistic manner and idealizing it. Are these shows perhaps depicting “the grind” a little too Hollywood, and too much competition or burnout? It is absolutely imperative that the viewer recognizes that what makes for good television is not necessarily a healthy way of living.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Viewer’s Responsibility
Whereas many series are researched to a great extent, they are ultimately fictional productions that are meant for entertainment. It is up to the viewer to distinguish the fictional part of a series from the academic truth. For example, a historical series may choose to take certain liberties in order to improve the story, which ultimately may affect the historical truth.
Binge-Watching vs. Binge-Doing
The first and most important trap is the psychological difference between being inspired and actually doing something. It is very inspiring to see a person overcome challenge, but it is no substitute for actual effort. The “Jeetu Bhaiya” effect should be a trigger for action, not a substitute for actual learning. The key is to take what is seen on television and apply it to real life.
Conclusion: The Future of the “Small Screen”
In the year 2026, OTT has not only shattered the boundaries of being a fun zone but has actually emerged as the face of the new mindset of the Indian student. It has humanized education, demystified success, and normalized failure. It has given a voice to the struggle and dreams of millions of students, spreading the message of empathy and triggering actions.
The “Jeetu Bhaiya” effect is the proof of the power of storytelling that not only entertains but also educates, inspires, and finally, changes our mindsets. With the advancements in technology and the improvement in content creation, it is very clear that the best “classroom” of the future is potentially the one in your pocket, in the form of life lessons and learning one episode at a time. The small screen is proving to have a surprisingly large impact on the way we learn, grow, and cope with the ever-unfolding journey of life.
Blog By:
Ms.Purva Gautam
Assistant Professor,Department of Education
Biyani Girls B.Ed. College,Jaipur