With students, who got through their recent board and the subsequent entrance examinations to get admissions in their dream colleges and universities, there is a section of students, who could not pass all their subjects. They are quietly but decisively working their way to clear their papers in the ensuing CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, India) compartment examinations. These students are keen to catch up with their buddies, who have just landed at the portals of colleges to start a new academic life. Here are a few tips to cope with the situation.
Are you too apprehensive about grasping your second chance arising out of exam-related stress and strain? Are you feeling low? Here comes the second lease of life in the form of compartment examination, commencing this month to prove your mettle, improve upon the grey areas and to overcome your lurking fear.
Try not to be too critical and analytical about yourself, as it will only subdue your energy level and dampen your spirit and desire to succeed in your task. Reckon that the pitfall which you experienced in the school final examination acts as a wake-up call enabling you to reconstruct your pathways to the success with a renewed energy. Never think that you are alone in your battleground, we are very much with you teaming up with your parents to provide all the required moral and psychological comfort.
Certainly, your summer seemed to have packed full of revision and the existential dread that you won’t get into the university you want to. Avoid ruminating about your performance which would result in augmenting your anxiety and depression in a disproportionate manner.
Stay calm and remember that you have myriad means and options to establish yourself. Instances in the lives of eminent personalities serve as a learning curve for many as they encountered resolutely during the gloomy moments to see the brighter side. Believe that every cloud has a silver lining, even though this may not be immediately apparent. Einstein was pretty vocal about his dislike of formal education. His teachers desired to get rid of him as they concluded that he was incapable of receiving the formal education. But much to their surprise, history has rewritten a different story by promoting him to become a lifelong visiting professor to a university. There are many more personalities in real life, whom we now consider being incredibly successful didn’t actually do too well at school. So, don’t lose heart at what had happened, but devise a firm and feasible strategy to come out of this quagmire of stagnation.
It is obvious that stress level will be riding high on the day prior to an exam. However, work your ways to de-stress yourself.
Parents can refrain from discussing with their wards about their previous performances and results, as they only aggravate your level of expectation. Also, parents can facilitate their wards to focus on studies by staying themselves away from watching international prime sports events on TV which coincide with the exam days. Let the children be on their own, as parents take every measure to exercise unconditional support, abundance of care and understanding at this crucial time. On the nearing days of the exam, provide them with much needed simple but nutritious food, encourage them to take sufficient water intake and ensure that they don’t fall prey to sleep depravity due to burning the midnight oil. Importantly, accompany them to the allotted exam centres well in time on the day of exam thus providing emotional comfort.
As students appearing for the exam, there are a few pointers to be borne in mind during the day of the exam. Arrange the required exam related materials including the hall ticket well in advance. Utilise the cool off time to survey the question paper and to identify the easy questions. Follow the instructions given on the paper. Recollect all the value points to be incorporated into your answers. Present your answers in the most presentable form possible. Make attempt on all the questions and complete answering question paper within the stipulated time frame. Never submit unfinished or incomplete answer papers.
In conclusion, face your past without regret; handle your present with confidence and fare forward for a glorious future. I am reminded of the words of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, which run thus, “End is not the end, in fact, END. means Effort Never Dies”. So Let’s be positive and put on a bold front to herald new opportunities in the days ahead.
For further clarification on exam related stress management counselling, both students and parents may contact Hameeda Kadar, Principal MES Indian School and Counsellor for Qatar region appointed by CBSE, at +974-55865725 during the school working hours for pre-examination psychological counselling to Class X and XII students. Focus on good things and move forward. If you have the will you will make your way!

*The author, M A, B Ed, Diploma in Child Psychology, is Principal of MES Indian School and Counsellor CBSE Qatar region.