Karnataka: As PU, SSLC results near, students jittery

Bengaluru: With board exam results fast approaching, many II PU and SSLC students in the state are feeling very nervous, according to counsellors and career guidance experts in the city. According to statistics from the Child Rights Trust (CRT), in the last one week the number of calls has surged by 60 per cent and most queries relate to fear of failure, anxiety, parental pressure and how to rethink career options.“Our counsellors situated at 12 different points in the city have been working round the clock to reach out to those in need, mostly to students waiting for board exam results. Facing the situation with an optimistic thought and learning from each mistake without taking it too hard on them (students) is a prime solution to most such cases,” said Nagasimha G. Rao, Director of CRT.  While PU results in the state are expected to be out by Monday, the SSLC result will be published on May 7.

Scores not the end of the world: Kavita Agarwal
Career counsellor and psychotherapist Kavita Agarwal defines the situation as a state of uncertainty, which is at present felt by the youngsters awaiting results.

Each student should realise that he/she has put in their best abilities and efforts to brave through the exams, she advices. “The sky will not come falling down if one fails to score in the 90s. If the scores don’t match your expectations, take an informed decision. Use the time to understand what you are good at to further career and higher education options,” she said.

Teach children to accept failure
Citing many instances of results leading to suicide attempts, Rao added that the prime reason behind such cases is unhealthy comparisons parents and relatives tend to make with their wards’ scores. “Such actions can easily put down young minds, leading to depression. Parents and other elders should give confidence to the students and should take situations lightly. Teaching kids to accept failures and helping them reassess situations, even if a year is off their records, is completely acceptable,” he said.

At the same time Kavita points out that the myth that ‘only science leads to good careers’ has been predominant among the parents over the years. “This needs to change. Careers are built on aptitude rather than interest. Parents should operate from a space of acceptance and avoid any minute remark of demeaning the child,” she said.