As the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) prepares to conduct the annual Board examinations in Kashmir, students, parents, and educators find themselves amidst a period of heightened anticipation and anxiety. Examinations, particularly Board exams, are crucial milestones in a student’s academic journey, often seen as gateways to higher education and career prospects. However, the undue importance placed on marks and the stress surrounding these exams raises significant concerns about the overall well-being of students.
For many students, Board examinations are not just tests of knowledge but also a challenge to their mental and emotional endurance. The pressure to perform well, secure high scores, and meet societal expectations can be overwhelming In Kashmir, Parents too bear the stress, often transferring their anxieties onto their children. The prevailing belief in our valley that marks define a student’s worth only adds to this pressure, leaving little room for a holistic approach to education. While academic achievements are undoubtedly important, an overemphasis on marks can overshadow the broader purpose of learning—intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and skill development.
Any examination should be conducted in a stress-free and conducive environment to allow students to perform at their best. A rigid and intimidating atmosphere only heightens anxiety, potentially affecting performance. During Board examinations the School authorities, invigilators, and examination staff must work towards ensuring 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. Board exams should not feel like a battleground but rather a structured evaluation of a student’s capabilities. During the examinations, the Invigilators and examination staff play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and stress-free examination process. They should maintain a calm demeanor, address student queries with patience, and ensure that the examination hall remains disciplined without being oppressive.
Clear communication about examination rules, timely distribution of question papers, and a supportive approach toward students experiencing anxiety can make the process less daunting. A reassuring presence can significantly boost a student’s confidence, helping them navigate the exam with ease. Incidently Education Minister Sakina Masood has also emphasized to ensure a stress-free environment for the forthcoming Board examinations. Addressing the officers in civil Secretariat Jammu, the Minister directed all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure conducive environment for students in and around the examination centres. She asked them to establish all essential amenities like proper lighting, seating arrangements and heating facilities at the examination centres for facilitation of students.
The National Education Policy (NEP- 2020) has introduced a progressive approach to examinations, emphasizing competency-based learning rather than rote memorization. One of its key recommendations is the establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a regulatory body to ensure a standardized evaluation system across India. PARAKH aims to shift the focus from high-stakes testing to a more balanced assessment that fosters conceptual understanding. If effectively implemented, such reforms could significantly reduce the stress associated with Board examinations by making them more student-centric.
One of the important aspects of any examination and especially the JKBOSE exams is the stress upon the young minds, and managing the stress is essential for students to perform to the best of their abilities. Time management, proper revision schedules, and healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in easing anxiety. Students should focus on understanding concepts rather than cramming information at the last minute. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and short breaks between study sessions can help maintain focus and reduce stress.
Additionally, parents should offer emotional support instead of mounting pressure, reinforcing the idea that exams are just a part of life’s learning curve rather than a determinant of success or failure. For students appearing in the forthcoming exams, a strategic approach can make a significant difference, students must follow a structured revision plan, rather than last-minute cramming. it is important to prioritize conceptual clarity over rote memorization. The students can also practice previous years question papers to understand the exam pattern. The parents must ensure that the students eat healthy and get adequate sleep, and also make sure that the students stay positive and confident, as self-belief plays a crucial role in performance.
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 smooth execution. 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 and improving evaluation methods.
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.
(Author is a columnist and academician and can be reached at: [email protected])
