Maharashtra State Board puts up FAQs, answers on its website

Students preparing for the board exams often seek clarity on rumours from counsellors. Representation pic

In a bid to compile the questions that students and parents frequently ask counsellors appointed by the Maharashtra State Board and provide them with a common platform which they can access for the solutions, the authorities concerned have uploaded a list of FAQs on the board's official website to clear all doubts related to the examinations this year.

Dinkar Patil, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board

Sources said that the objective was to reduce stress ahead of the exams and that a similar service would be provided after the exams and results as well. "Considering the situation this year, students appearing for the board exams and their parents have several questions. We hope the FAQs and the answers are able to clarify their doubts," said Dinkar Patil, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board.

Counsellors said some of the questions they got were: "While studying online through phone, I am addicted to mobile games. How do I get out of it?", "My parents feel I should skip this year due to COVID but I want to appear for an exam. How can I explain this to them?", "With the COVID conditions, what will be the seating arrangement during exam?"

This year a total of 428 counsellors across Maharashtra are providing similar help to students and parents. "To create the FAQs and address concerns from all districts, about 30 of them have got together.

There are two sets of questions - core academics and administration-related and then those regarding mental stress and other psychological aspects. While the former category can be easily dealt with through factual answers, the latter may require further intervention by the counsellor concerned as the answers to the FAQs under this category can only provide some primary relief. But those answers can provide a template for other counsellors to help those under stress," said Aamir Ansari, one of the team members and a teacher of a Jogeshwari school.

Adding to this, Shrikant Shingare, a counsellor who has many years of experience of dealing with last-minute stress of students through board helplines, said, "This year is really different. Moreover, rumours on social media are confusing students. Most of the calls that we receive seek clarity on the rumours. The FAQs will provide good relief."

Swapna Shinde, who is a teacher from a Ghatkopar school and also working as a counsellor for the state board, said, "As exams are fast approaching, the number of calls too has increased with many of them asking questions regarding rumours. We are asking candidates to not believe in them but the FAQs on the website will surely help them."