Board goes all out to reduce exam tension
A main reason for the state board to announce a time-table
for HSC and SSC exams at the start of the academic year was to reduce anxiety among
students. Last year, the board decided to give breaks before every exam, to give
students time to revise.
"I ensured the important portion for all subjects was covered before the exams.
I stopped studying two days before the exams and with a day in hand before every
paper; I will have enough time to revise”, said Saahil Vadiya, an HSC student. Even
though some had complained about the board exams dragging on because of the holidays
between every paper, many thanked officials for the welcome break. Students are
very relaxed as they don’t need to rush home after every exam to prepare for the
next paper. Even the papers are easy and simple so we haven’t received many complaints
from students, said Marie Fernandes, principal, St Andrews College, Bandra (W).
Divisional board secretary Ravindra Bhise told TOI the board has been making efforts
to reduce the exam burden. Last year, we followed a similar pattern for HSC and
SSC exams. This year too students took time to settle down on the first two days
and ever since it has been smooth sailing, he said. Every year, students had to
wait for two-three weeks after their last theory paper to appear for the IT online
exam. This year, we have a 10 to 12 days break after which our IT paper is scheduled.
I’m not worried much about the portion now, said Sanskriti Parikh, another HSC student.
Hassle-free day: Officials did not report any
hassles on Day 3rd of the HSC exams. The state board helpline received nearly 90
calls on 23rd Thursday and most were from SSC students. We hardly received calls
from HSC students. Most came form SSC students inquiring about exam centre’s that
have not been declared, said an official.
SSC exam dates: Exams for English-medium SSC students
will start on March 3rd. On 23rd Thursday received calls from parents who were confused
about the dates. While HSC examinations are under way, SSC exams will begin on March
1st. The first paper will be for students who have Marathi, Urdu and Gujarati as
their first language, said a senior board official. Students who have opted for
French will appear on March 1st at 3pm. SSC exams will end on March 13th (Science
II paper for repeaters).
Courtesy: Times of India
