Rayees Masroor
As the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) gears up to conduct its annual Board examinations, the air in Kashmir is thick with anticipation, anxiety, and pressure. For students, these exams are not just a test of academic knowledge but a trial of mental and emotional resilience. The weight of societal expectations, parental aspirations, and the perceived importance of marks often overshadows the true purpose of education—intellectual growth, critical thinking, and skill development.
In Kashmir, the narrative around Board exams has become increasingly stressful. Parents, educators, and students alike are caught in a cycle of pressure, where marks are seen as the ultimate measure of success. This mindset not only undermines the holistic development of students but also places an unnecessary burden on their mental health. It is time to rethink our approach to examinations and strike a balance between academic rigor and the well-being of students.
The Pressure Cooker of Board Exams
Board examinations are often viewed as gateways to higher education and future career prospects. However, in Kashmir, this perception has escalated into an overwhelming pressure cooker situation. Students are expected to perform exceptionally well, often at the cost of their mental and physical health. The societal belief that marks define a student’s worth only exacerbates this issue, leaving little room for a balanced approach to learning.
Parents, too, play a significant role in this dynamic. Their anxieties and high expectations are often transferred onto their children, creating an environment where failure is not an option. This pressure can be counterproductive, leading to burnout, anxiety, and even depression among students. It is crucial to remember that while academic achievements are important, they are not the sole determinants of a student’s potential or future success.
Creating a Conducive Examination Environment
One of the key factors in ensuring students perform to the best of their abilities is the environment in which examinations are conducted. A rigid and intimidating atmosphere only heightens anxiety, potentially affecting performance. School authorities, invigilators, and examination staff must work together to create a calm and supportive setting.
Encouraging words from teachers, a well-organized seating arrangement, and a friendly yet disciplined approach can significantly ease student apprehensions. Invigilators, in particular, play a crucial role in this process. Their demeanor, patience, and ability to address student queries with empathy can make a world of difference. Clear communication about examination rules, timely distribution of question papers, and a supportive approach toward students experiencing anxiety can transform the examination hall from a battleground into a structured evaluation space.
Incidentally, Education Minister Sakina Masood has emphasized the need for a stress-free environment during the forthcoming Board examinations. In a recent address to officers in the Civil Secretariat Jammu, she directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure that all examination centers are equipped with essential amenities such as proper lighting, seating arrangements, and heating facilities. Such measures, if implemented effectively, can go a long way in creating a conducive environment for students.
The Role of NEP-2020 and PARAKH
The National Education Policy (NEP-2020) has introduced a progressive approach to examinations, shifting the focus from rote memorization to competency-based learning. One of its key recommendations is the establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a regulatory body aimed at standardizing the evaluation system across India.
PARAKH’s emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than high-stakes testing is a step in the right direction. If implemented effectively, such reforms could significantly reduce the stress associated with Board examinations by making them more student-centric. However, the success of these initiatives depends on their proper execution and the willingness of stakeholders to embrace change.
Managing Stress: A Collective Responsibility
While systemic reforms are essential, managing stress during examinations is a collective responsibility. Students must adopt a strategic approach to their preparations, focusing on time management, conceptual clarity, and healthy lifestyle choices. Last-minute cramming should be replaced with structured revision plans, and practicing previous years’ question papers can help students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern.
Parents, on their part, must offer emotional support rather than mounting pressure. Encouraging students to eat healthy, get adequate sleep, and maintain a positive mindset can significantly impact their performance. It is important to reinforce the idea that exams are just a part of life’s learning curve, not a determinant of success or failure.
Challenges and the Way Forward
The conduct of Board examinations in Kashmir has evolved over the years, but challenges remain. Security arrangements, weather conditions, and logistical issues often pose hurdles in the smooth execution of exams. Unlike CBSE and ICSE exams, which are conducted with a more standardized framework across the country, JKBOSE exams sometimes face disruptions due to regional factors.
However, the board has made commendable efforts in recent years to ensure fair and transparent examinations. Minimizing malpractices, improving evaluation methods, and addressing logistical challenges are steps in the right direction. But more needs to be done to align JKBOSE examinations with the broader goals of holistic education.
Conclusion
Board examinations are undeniably important, but they should not be treated as insurmountable obstacles. A balanced approach, where academic excellence is encouraged without unnecessary stress, is essential. While JKBOSE continues to refine its examination processes, students, parents, and educators must work collectively to foster a healthier mindset toward exams.
Ultimately, education should be about holistic growth, and examinations should be seen as a means to assess learning rather than a measure of self-worth. By striking a balance between pressure, preparations, marks, and mindset, we can create an environment where students thrive not just academically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Note:
Rayees Masroor is a columnist and academician based in Kupwara, Kashmir. He writes extensively on education, society, and current affairs.
