Here’s some good news for students. The stress of clearing the classes 10 and 12 board examinations will soon be a passe, as the government plans to soon introduce the option of taking the crucial tests twice a year across the country.
The de-stress concept
“The concept is being introduced as an option to reduce students’ stress caused by the fear of having only opportunity,” Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told the media in the weekend.
Drawing a parallel with competitive exams, the Minister said, “The students will have an option of appearing for the exams twice a year just like engineering entrance exam JEE. They can choose the best score… but it will be completely optional, no compulsion.”
“The students often get stressed thinking they lost a year, their chance is gone or that they could have performed better… the stress caused by the fear of single opportunity will be reduced,” he added.
Students, parents, teachers cheer
Students, parents and educators have called the concept “revolutionary”, at a time when the country is seeing a spike in student suicides.
“It will reduce the stress of preparing and appearing for the board exams to a large extent. We will get the best of both worlds — taking the exams twice and choosing the best score,” says Basant Nanda, a student of DPS-Delhi.
“No doubt several studies show that stress in moderation may be beneficial for students and can act as a motivator but too much stress often prove to be detrimental for their overall well-being. This was a well thought move to give students breathing space,” says Dr Soumya Madan, the CEO of Interactive Learning Studio in Gurgaon.
“As a parent, I think the move will revolutionise the country’s education system,” says Raj Sharma, a parent of a Class IX student in Delhi.
What psychologists say
Psychologists say that stress often leads to anxiety and depression issues in students.
“If students know in advance that they would get a second chance to better their score in board exams, they will be able to prepare for the same without stress,” says Dr Soma Seth, a child psychologist based in Gurgaon.
“We often find anxiety pangs hitting young students that finally gives rise to depression and suicidal thoughts. All these things will be eliminated once the concept kicks in,” she says.
