ICSE and CBSE results would be declared later this month but nobody, least of all students, is losing sleep over the outcome. On the contrary, pupils have decided to let their hair down and hope for the best.

Experts, too, believe that students should not let anxiety get the better of them before their board results. Dr Vinay Kumar, a psychiatrist, has a mantra for those awaiting board results. He said: “Just as life is all about acceptance, one should be prepared for the results.”

Vinay added: “Examinations are a part of life. In every stage of our life, we have to face some test or the other. There is a bit of uncertainty, but marks do not always matter. What matters is knowledge. Accepting things as they are will help students beat the anxiety and stress surrounding examination results.”

Prabha Shukla, a former head of the department of psychology (postgraduation), Patna University (PU), believes if students devote time to activities, they would feel less stressed. She said: “A bit of tension before the results are published is a normal thing but in today’s competitive world, sometimes the stress takes a toll on the pupils,”

Shukla, who is also the director of University Grants Commission Academic Staff College, PU, said: “A bit of tension is required to excel in any field. However, one should not take board results as a last opportunity for success. Even if one is not very successful, he/she will have enough chances in life. Failures are the pillars of success.”

Shukla added that before the results are declared, students should not spend too much time alone. “Kids should hang out in groups and let their hair down. Apart from friends, they can spend time with parents or relatives. Watching cartoons or movies and taking part in sporting activities will help them,” she said.

The ICSE and ISC results would be announced between May 15 and May 17, while CBSE results are expected to be declared in the last week of this month.

St Joseph’s Convent High School student Shailja Agarwal, who has taken her ISC examination, is not tensed at all.

She said: “I am not losing sleep over the results. Till now, I was busy preparing for my Common Law Admission Test. There is no point in being tensed, as anxiety will not change my marks. I am also catching up on movies that I missed. My friends would be there to give me company.”

Shubham Adhikari, who has taken his Class XII exam from St Michael’s High School, is waiting for his CBSE results. He said: “I am not stressed. Even if I am worried about something, I use it constructively. I play some sport or work out in the gym. I love music and practise playing the piano. Before the results are out, I would arrange for reunions with my old friends.”