Waris Nissar
As board examinations for Classes 10, 11 and 12 approach, pressure on students begins to build. For many, the pressure comes not only from the examinations themselves but also from the expectations, comparisons and questions of the people around them. At times, a student may be less anxious about the examination than by the anxiety created around them.
For Class 10 students, appearing in a board examination is a new experience, and feeling nervous is natural. As the examinations draw closer, however, questions about marks, preparation and expectations begin to come from almost everywhere. Relatives and acquaintances who may otherwise have little or no conversation with a student about studies suddenly begin asking how much they expect to score, how well they have prepared and what target they have set for themselves.
A student may leave home simply to take a break from studies, clear their mind or refresh themselves. Yet, wherever they go, examination-related questions follow them. What may begin as a casual conversation can gradually become another source of pressure, particularly when students repeatedly hear comparisons and expectations about their marks.
Parents, too, have an important role in determining how a student experiences this period. Instead of comparing their children with cousins, relatives or students who performed well in previous examinations, parents should encourage them to focus on their own preparation and progress. Rigid expectations such as “you must score more than them” or imposing a fixed target can make students feel that their worth depends entirely on their marks.
Board examinations are important, but they should not become a measure of a student’s entire future. Students should prepare sincerely, work hard and give their best effort. Their performance in one examination cannot define their complete ability, potential or journey. What matters is that they make an honest effort and learn from the experience.
Parents should therefore be gentle, supportive and encouraging. They should give students enough time and space to study, while also allowing them reasonable breaks, rest and time to refresh their minds. Most importantly, students should know that their families will stand beside them regardless of the result.
Students, meanwhile, should not allow every comment, comparison or expectation to become a burden. They should listen to advice without carrying unnecessary pressure, remain focused on their preparation and avoid measuring themselves against others. Their responsibility is to work hard, give their best and make a sincere effort; the final outcome is in the hands of Almighty Allah.
A good result deserves to be celebrated, but a disappointing result is neither the end of life nor the end of a student’s future. Marks have their importance, but they cannot define a person’s complete potential, character, abilities or journey.
Examinations should remain a test of preparation, not become a source of unnecessary fear or mental strain. Students should work hard to fulfil their potential, not live under the constant pressure of satisfying society. At this stage, what they need most is understanding, encouragement and the confidence to move forward.
Let students prepare with sincerity, appear for their examinations with peace of mind and accept the result with patience. Give them support instead of comparison, encouragement instead of fear, and space to grow beyond a marksheet—with hard work, hope and faith in Almighty Allah.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
