Three lakh city students gear up for HSC exams from February 22

More than 13 lakh students from the state and over three lakh from the city will appear for Std XII Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination conducted by Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education from February 22.

For the first time, the board has designed a special timetable to reduce stress and give students sufficient time to study by introducing a one-day gap before every major subject paper.

This move comes after the board received several suggestions from parents and students. The board also announced the exam timetable three months in advance so that students can plan studies accordingly.

To help students combat stress, junior colleges have started counselling sessions, stress management workshops and help lines. They are also trying to address anxiety among parents. “Our teachers are available on call 24x7. They will help out with last minute tips and resolve students’ doubts. We also try to give them tips on how to avoid stress during exams. Students these days know that stress can come in the way of their scoring well,” said Kirti Narain, principal, Jai Hind College, Churchgate.

According to a statement issued by the board on Tuesday,  students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia will be allowed to use calculators for subjects such as mathematics, book-keeping and accountancy.

To curb malpractices, the board has formed 245 flying squads, seven for each district. It has also decided to pay surprise visits to examination halls. Video-shooting will also be done. Also, parent bodies and school students pledged against cheating on January 26.