Uncertainty over HSC board examination taking its toll on students and parents

Updated on: Friday, February 15, 2013

With uncertainty looming large over the HSC board examinations, scheduled to begin in less than a week, students and parents have been endlessly calling helpline numbers. On Thursday, state board numbers were made functional and on the first day itself counselors received over 250 calls from anxious students and parents.

"Most students are worried about exam dates being rescheduled once again. They are inquiring if the theory papers will commence on February 21. We have assured everybody that there'll be no more changes," said Shyam Kamble, who is manning the state board's helpline numbers. "We also have helpline numbers for teachers, and many students have been calling to inquire about the status of the strike that is to take place on February 20 and 21. Students have other concerns as well, like seating arrangements and hall tickets."

Once again this year, the state board has put together a team of psychiatrists and counselors to help students overcome their fear of examinations. For one week, these professionals have been receiving (on a separate set of numbers; see adjoining graphic) anxious calls from students as well as parents. "Most have worries about the changing time-table... We direct these calls to the state board helpline," said Kavita Sharma, a counseling psychologist with the Vandrevala Foundation.

Psychologist Dr Rajendra Barve said, "A large number of students discuss their fear about exams and how they feel they are unable to remember what they have studied."

Parents share concerns about their children falling ill before exams, said Dr Barve. "Nausea and fever are common in many children. Most concerns are related to either physical or mental distress."

Psychiatrist Harish Shetty said that more than students, parents need to learn to manage stress during examinations. "Many parents inquire about future courses and career options even before their child has appeared for the class X board exams. Why not just focus on one thing at a time? While students can always talk to friends to share their worries, parents, too, should share their worries with other parents. But there's no need to share concerns with children, especially since they are already worried."

Uncertainty over HSC board examination taking its toll on students and parents

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