Exam fever: Marks over life?

Early Tuesday morning, thousands of SSC students woke up to face the first day of their board exams with a mix of excitement, anticipation and fear.  While taking a bath, 15-year-old Zainab Aslam Shaikh, resident of Jay Vijay Nagar in Mira Road and Std X student of Don Bosco school, must have had only one thought going through her mind — her overall SSC percentage. After finishing her shower, she walked into the bedroom. Her mother thought she was just putting on her clothes. She had no clue what her daughter was about to do.

Zainab is the first case of suicide during the SSC exams this year. According to Sangita Kulshreshtha, her neighbour and a teacher at St Xavier’s school, Zainab was far from a weak student. In fact, she was excellent in her studies and always scored over 90% marks in all her exams. Only a day before, Zainab had told her that having scored more than 90% in prelim exams, she wanted to cross the 95% mark to secure admission in a good college. In retrospect, Sangita admits the young girl looked tense as she said this.

Zainab lived along with her mother and younger brother. Her father had left them about eight years ago. Her mother works as a jari maker to run the household.

Despite being a good student, the pressure of performing well has claimed another young soul.

Mohamed Umar Gafoor, neighbour of the Shaikh family said that Zainab had probably fallen victim to competition pressure precisely because she was such a good student and there were high expectations of her.

With 24 more days to go before the SSC board exams end, Zainab’s story serves as a reminder to parents, teachers and families of Std X students on the importance of being calm and supportive. And for the students themselves, it hopefully brings home the message that nothing, especially an examination, is worth wasting a life over.

Expert's talk
When concepts are clear, stress is reduced
No matter how many students commit suicide during board exams every year, expectations remain the same. Parents, schools and tuition teachers all expect a lot.  In addition, people still talk about how they performed in their SSC exams for years after. So the mirage to perform still prevails. Most parents are just not satisfied with the marks their kids get. Peer pressure only adds to the whole mix. The system is also largely to blame. Even half a mark makes a difference. We have been unable to put in a system of grades. For this situation to change, concepts need to be made clear to students right from the beginning. Lateral thinking has to be developed and rote learning has to be disposed of. Parents, on their part, should build on the potential their children exhibit, and realise that extracurricular activities are just as important as academics.
Anshu Kulkarni, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Raheja Hospital

We have failed to address the issue well
Every year, before and after board examinations, we hear about students taking the drastic step of ending their lives because they cannot handle the pressure coming through from all sides. Enough and more is said to address the issue but somehow we have failed. Students’ fear to perform well, parental pressure and of course, the rat race puts too much pressure on the students and many of them crack. The CBSE board has made board exams optional; similarly, other boards too should try and implement it. Also, I think schools should continue till Std XII because one is too young at 15 to decide and choose which junior college they want to join. There is too much pressure on students to get marks so that they can get admission in a good college. At the age of 14 and 15, it is too much to handle.
Kavita Anand, educationist

Student's speak
Spoonfed with notes
I don’t understand why this happens. I am an average student, yet I scored 84%. Neither I nor my friends felt much pressure. We thought SSC is easy after all the classes and notes that we get from teachers. It’s all spoonfed to us, so it’s not that difficult. I would advise students not to pressurise themselves. It’s really very easy.
Shraddha Kanade, 15

Prepare in advance
I will be giving my SSC exams next year, but I’m not scared. Actually, the papers are easier than those in Std IX. Also, the government has made rules such as giving 20 marks for oral exam which the school conducts. My SSC classes will start in April and I have already drawn up a schedule of how I will study. We only need to work hard and not worry about results.
Vishal Jha, 15

Parents' views
Follow a time-table
I don’t think it’s right to pressurise kids to secure a specific percentage. Board exams are hyped beyond what’s necessary. And the hype only further stresses the children. I have a daughter who’s currently appearing for her board exams. And I haven’t told her what percentage I am expecting because I don’t want her to fret over it. All I advised her was to chalk out a time table and follow it.
Rajesh Lad

Don’t overstress
My son is in Std XII and my daughter in X. I am keenly involved in my daughter’s study and not so much in my son’s. I feel XII exams are more important than X, I let my son be on his own. My daughter requires a bit of handholding. This is why I am working from home so that I can be there for her during her board exams. I don’t want her to overstress and not take it too easy either.
Manisha Ginde