High-stakes testing can negatively affect students’ mental health by inducing stress and anxiety, which may hinder performance. The pressure to excel can lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure, causing students to experience burnout over time. Additionally, the intense focus on test results can detract from holistic learning experiences, as students may prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking. Interventions, such as mindfulness practices or counseling services within educational institutions, can mitigate these effects. Creating balanced assessment frameworks is crucial to promoting a healthier educational environment.