CBSE students advised to stay calm, direct energies towards exam preparation

Following the CBSE order for re-examination of the Class-XII economics and Class-X maths papers which were leaked, psychologists have advised the agitating students to remain calm and direct their energy towards the preparation of the exam.

Students and parents across the country opposed the decision of the Central Board of Secondary Education for re-examination of the papers. However, Education Secretary Anil Swarup on Friday evening announced that the re-examination of the CBSE’s Class 12 economics paper will be held on April 25, while the re-test for Class 10 mathematics is likely to be conducted in July.

Following the announcement, according to PTI, Dr Rahul Saha, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Safdarjung hospital, said that the students in such a situation should “remain calm and not get stressed”.

“Getting stressed out and angry will not help in this situation,” Dr Saha said, adding that students should face the situation with confidence and positivity.

Also Read | CBSE Paper Leak: Class-XII economics re-examination on April 25, Class-X mathematics in July likely

“No doubt the education system needs to be full-proof and the authorities should ensure that paper leaks don’t happen in future, but the students will have to accept the reality and face the situation with confidence and positivity. Stress is not about exam pressure it is also about insecurity and uncertainty in the mind of a child,” Saha was quoted as saying.

Psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh, director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, said parents should motivate the students rather than talking about the loophole in the system.

Parikh also said that the society also should help students face this crucial time so that children do not lose self-confidence in the whole process.

“What one needs to understand is that exams have their own stress quotient when it comes to students. And obviously reappearing in the same exam, does give them stress, but at the same time it is important for all of us to remember that there are situations and times which are not in our control,” Parikh said.

Echoing Dr Saha’s statement, Dr Parikh also pointed out the futility of complaining, sulking and worrying, saying, “We need to accept the reality and give our best”.

“Exams are not a measure of any person and cannot undo lives. Success has to be defined broadly and examinations are only one part of the process,” Achal Bhagat, senior consultant, Psychiatry at Apollo hospital, said.

He then advised young people to study hard and not lose their energies in the anger that they feel.