The re-exam challenge

In the wake of the recent event of the CBSE paper leaks of Class X and XII, the announcement of a re-exam created a lot of stress amongst students and parents. While the date for Class 12 Economics re-exam has been announced, Class X Mathematics re-exam has been canceled by the CBSE.

One can well understand the anguish that the students, parents and school authorities are going through. Preparing for and giving an exam is a stressful exercise. Facing the reality or possibility of having to do it all over again can be very upsetting.

Planned holidays have to be postponed, students are forced to miss their favourite activity class, family weddings have to be given a miss and even worse, students have to once again prepare for the dreaded board exams! This adds to clashes with their entrance exam dates, more rounds of tuitions, and the anxiety of facing the examination day yet again. Clearly, CBSE students who have to appear for re-exam are going through tough times.

Don’t panic

A student’s performance in a board exam is considered to be an important milestone in his/her educational journey, especially in India where higher education institutes give admissions solely based on cut-offs and grades. Not only is it a stressful time for students, but also for their families. While there is nationwide outrage that continues to question the paper leak which has forced the re-examination, we need to understand and help these students cope with the re-exam stress.

Our advice to students and parents – don’t panic. Everything that has been taught throughout the year has been practised and tested and if not, you have another chance to give it your best. Most students are finding it difficult to get back to studying after switching on to the vacation mode. With all the chaos around the re-exam, it is important that parents help students focus on the positive outcomes of a re-exam and not add to their stress and angst.

Parents can help students prepare effectively. Since they have already given an exam on the same subject, they would know which topics need revision or clarity. Instead of mulling over the fact that they have to reappear for an exam, parents can motivate students to use this as an opportunity to score better.

Smart learning

While parents need to take care of student’s nourishment and mental well-being, teachers can help them in smart learning. Teachers should give students tips on how to prepare for last-minute revisions, key topics to focus on and make them solve previous board exam papers. Since students have already appeared for the exam once, it will be easier for them to identify topics that have more importance than the others.

With peers in the same boat, group studies can help students come out of the depressed state of mind and prepare for the re-exam. They can also discuss difficult topics and prepare together for better understanding and clarity.

In short, adequate sleep, frequent and timely breaks to refresh the mind and motivation and support from parents, teachers, and peers can help students overcome their anxiety and appear for the re-exam with confidence.

The author is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Global Indian International School.