Counsellors try to resolve a range of issues as phones across the state keep buzzing
Questions ranging from what pen to use while writing the exam paper to what can be a good career option, the Maharashtra Board helplines for Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations were flooded with calls on the first day of exam on Tuesday.
Last-minute exam anxiety
All the helplines listed by the board, including the divisional helplines and statewide helplines, received over 600 calls on day one. Some of the top queries were with respect to last-minute anxieties that students faced minutes before the English paper. “Students asked several last-minute questions like ‘how to complete the paper in time?’, ‘I am suddenly blank despite having studied. How do I write the paper?’ etc. Some of them started crying and said that they did not want to enter the exam hall due to the fear of getting a tough paper,” said Pawankumar Gaikwad, a counselor manning one of the helplines. While there were some calls asking about centres and changes, if any, counselors said that there was no serious issues reported as most of the students reached before time and found their centres.
From choice of pen to career options
While questions about paper pattern and coping methods were common, some students also asked counsellors some basic questions like what pen to use. “Some students asked whether to use a gel pen or a ball-point pen for better handwriting” said a counsellor at one of the helplines. Another student from Mumbai also asked ‘what mode of transport to take to reach the centre in time’.
Counsellors said that a large number of students asked them questions about passing criteria. “Some students asked if they can get any grace marks while some others asked how much they need to score to get into a particular college in a particular stream,” said another counsellor from one of the helplines.
Using shortcuts
Counsellors said that there were several calls from students who asked if they can use their mobile phones or calculators. “We allow calculators only to students who have a learning disability (LD). But even those without LD have been calling to ask if they can use calculators,” said Murlidhar More, the counsellor who attends the Mumbai division helpline of the board.
Queries from parents
Dr Sandeep Sisodia, who attends one of the state helplines, said that approximately 40 per cent calls that came to his helpline were from parents. “Even the 60 per cent calls that came from students, parents were prompting them from behind to ask certain questions,” added Sisodia.
SY Chandekar, Mumbai Division Secretary of the board, said that several calls on the helplines were indeed found to be very basic for which the board has already provided information. “Various students called to ask about their admit cards and the timetable despite clear instructions being given to all the schools. While all the queries are being attended to, the only concern is that the helplines can be used more effectively if more serious queries come in,” he added.
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