Why do we need exams to sort people who just want to learn?

The entire concept of exams seems flawed when you think about it—why should people be sorted or filtered just because they want to learn? Education is supposed to be about growth, exploration, and self-improvement, but exams turn it into a stressful competition where only a select few "qualify." Why is this system so deeply ingrained, especially in countries like India, where a student’s worth often gets reduced to their exam scores? Shouldn’t colleges and universities focus on creating opportunities for everyone who wants to learn, instead of acting like gatekeepers? Share your thoughts