Students urged to keep calm as CBSE exams begin tomorrow

This is the time of the year when students are required to prove their mettle and reap the fruits of their hard work as board exams of several classes begin on February 15.

Students feel panic, anxiety, and stress these days. On February 15, the students of Class X, studying in CBSE-affiliated schools, will take their first exam—English. At the same time, Class VIII students of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will appear for their first exam on February 18, and Class XII board students will sit for their first exam on February 24.

“Students are under stress, but so are their teachers, who have taught them throughout the year and hope they perform well. Though everything is taught to the students well in advance, last-minute issues are resolved by teachers to calm the students. We are advising them to maintain their calm and take deep breaths, but exam-related anxiousness can be seen on their faces,” said the principal of Nankana Public School, Harmit Kaur.

At the same time, the students of schools affiliated with the PSEB also maintain that at this time, panicking is natural. As Vineeta, a student of class X, said, she tries to maintain her calm, but the fear of forgetting everything always remains before entering the examination hall. And this continues till the question paper is read, added Vineeta.

Keeping the stress levels of students in mind, even district administration has launched ‘ASMAAH’—a mental health support helpline for students.

A call was made by this correspondent on the number (9646470777) shared by the administration officials, and a patient hearing was given by the counsellor on the other side of the phone to help release the caller’s tension by sharing

proper breathing techniques. The counsellor made sure she was talking to a student only.