Indian School Board Opens Phone Helpline Before Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Examinations has began its first phase of counselling pupils who are appearing for their grade 10 and grade 12 board examinations that are expected to begin next month.

Pupils willing to take advantage of the helpline can call the Indian High School in Dubai at 04-3377475.

The helpline aims to assist pupils in overcoming examination related stress. It will be functional till March 31.

Grade 10 examinations are scheduled to start from March 3 while that of Grade 12 will begin from March 1.

There are over 30 schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) in the UAE.

According to a press statement issued by the board, the helpline is designed keeping in mind the heterogeneity of pupil population and geographical spread. The helpline is in operation for the eleventh year.

The tele-counselling is free and is offered by trained counsellors and principals of CBSE affiliated schools.

Speaking to Gulf News, pupils who are appearing for the examinations this year said anxiety prior to the examinations often leads to forgetfulness.

They said expectations from families to bag excellent grades are stressful.

Ashraf Hussain, a pupil, said it becomes quite stressful when his parents push him to get distinctions in all subjects.

He said: "They are very supportive but often it becomes a prestige for parents when their child gets a distinction in more than one subject. For example if a child fails to get good scores the parents feel dejected. This should not be the case. They should understand that their child has done his best."

Monisha Jetwani, a pupil of grade 12, added that her parents are quite relaxed about the board exams.

She said: "I think somewhere they are aware that if they keep nagging me it might make me more tense. I have been an above average pupil and I am sure to do well in the coming board examinations. I put in more than seven hours of study time every day."

There were also those pupils who felt a helpline for parents should be established as well. "I am confident that I will do well ... but my parents think otherwise. They tend to be more stressed about the board exam than me," said Gunjan, a grade 12 pupil.

Courtesy : gulfnews.com