The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Patliputra Sahodaya's innovative measures have ensured that students do not lose sleep over their all-important Class XII board examinations.
The group has been conducting counselling sessions over telephone to de-stress students as well as their parents.
Patliputra Sahodaya is a group of CBSE schools in Bihar that has launched the service using which students can get their doubts cleared on their cellphones. The Sahodaya has roped in services of subject teachers for clearing the doubts of students. A large number of students are making queries using the facility being offered by the Sahodaya.
From yoga to counselling, easy memorising tricks to confidence-building exercises, several schools are acquainting students taking board exams with a range of stress-busting techniques. However, this unique idea has gone down well with students and guardians as it ensures a personal touch.
Board exams are every student's litmus test and students are leaving no stone unturned to score well. Only a day left for the Class XII board exams, students are working hard to prepare themselves. The tension and stress levels are also getting high. The exam starts from March 2, the first paper being English.
Writing a paper for three hours needs a high level of concentration and stamina and that is possible by keeping healthy and fit. Bhavya Sriya, a student of Class XII of St Karen's High School, said: "I think I am forgetting whatever I have learned as the exams are approaching. I have started losing sleep in anxiety. I don't think the stress is going to fade until my exam is over. In the phone counselling session, the expert said these symptoms appear if the stomach is empty. So I am trying to follow his advice and eating well."
Aditya Pandey, a student of Class XII of St Michael's High School, said: "I was stressed before my pre-board exam but after the counselling, they calmed me down. They told me to be confident. Last time I had panicked for weeks but scored well. I realised that exam dread was unnecessary. When I walk in to the exam hall on March 2, I will remember to be calm and confident."
"Only two days are left for my board exam and I have a lot of positive energy. I have to revise the whole course but I am not feeling like doing so. My mind is distracted every second at things like Facebook and daily soaps," said Neha Raj, a Class XII student of DAV Public School.
The exam season is also a stressing time for parents. Guardians, too, are taking counselling and following steps to de-stress their kids.
Prashant Singh, a resident of Kankerbagh, said: "My daughter is appearing for her board exam this year and I am trying everything to keep her free from anxiety. In the morning, we both do yoga. I also provide nutritious food to keep her physically and mentally fit."
C.B. Singh, the secretary of CBSE Sahodaya, said: "Apart from preparing well, one must also perfect the art of presenting the information you have in the best possible manner. The only way to do well in the exams is to study through the year and not wait till the countdown starts. It is important to write the answers in the right frame of mind. Time management, good health and stress control are very important to score well in the board exam."
He added: "I have been getting lots of phone calls from anxious parents who are worried about their kids' nervousness and anxiety. They need to understand that the child needs to relax mentally and physically before they appear for the examination. Experts suggest that children must eat well on time and get enough sleep."
