UP Board Exams: Official Urges Students to Focus on Knowledge, Not Pressure
In a live YouTube session ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Board exams scheduled to commence from February 18, Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, delivered a motivational address to students, teachers, and staff. He emphasized that exams should be perceived as a test of one's knowledge rather than a judgment of personality, encouraging a healthier mindset towards academic assessments.
Shifting Perspectives on Failure and Success
Sharma highlighted that failure in exams merely indicates areas for improvement and should not be seen as a life-ending event. He advised students to treat exams like a game where the primary competition is with oneself, fostering self-growth and resilience. "Exams are a part of life, not the whole of life," Sharma stated, pointing out that numerous successful individuals globally were average performers initially but achieved greatness through dedication and hard work.
Practical Exam Preparation Strategies
For effective preparation, Sharma recommended avoiding the introduction of new topics at the last minute. Instead, he suggested reinforcing previously learned material to build confidence and retention. He cautioned students against letting a poorly performed paper affect subsequent ones, noting that there is always room for compensation in later sections.
Regarding answer writing, Sharma provided specific guidelines: answers should be clear, systematic, and adhere to prescribed word limits. He urged students to read question papers carefully, avoid spending excessive time on difficult questions, and use pencils to draw neat diagrams or flowcharts where applicable, as these can earn extra marks.
Logistical and Parental Guidance
On logistical matters, Sharma clarified that students who forget their admit cards will be granted conditional permission for one paper, after which they must obtain a duplicate card. Addressing parents, he stressed the importance of avoiding pressure for high marks. Parents should prioritize acknowledging their children's hard work over results, he said, and take time daily to engage in supportive conversations about feelings rather than solely focusing on syllabus completion.
Sharma further advised parents to refrain from comparing their children to others, including siblings, to reduce unnecessary stress and promote a positive learning environment.
Measures to Combat Cheating
The session also covered initiatives by the UP Secondary Education Board to tackle cheating. Sharma explained that codes are being implemented on question papers and answer sheets. This system allows for immediate identification of the source in case of a paper leak, enhancing accountability and security during the examination process.
Overall, the interactive session aimed to equip students with practical strategies, emotional support, and awareness of anti-cheating protocols, fostering a fair and less stressful exam experience for all participants.
