The National Child Development Council (NCDC) held a core committee meeting to address exam fear among students and the roles parents and teachers play during exam time.
An NCDC member opened the meeting by highlighting that many students are experiencing anxiety and fear related to exams this season. She pointed out that this fear often grows due to the high expectations from parents and teachers. Excessive pressure can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, and poor performance. She noted that sometimes children focus more on the pressure than on their studying efforts.
She described several factors contributing to this issue. These include comparing themselves with friends or relatives, a lack of open communication between parents, teachers, and students, and conflicts at home. “These situations might hurt students’ confidence and create fear about exams,” NCDC member said. She urged parents to focus on their children’s efforts rather than just the results. She advised them to keep a calm home environment, avoid comparisons, and provide support through healthy food, a proper study space, and emotional encouragement.
Another member shared that exam anxiety can come from various sources, including the child, parents, or teachers. She suggested that schools could offer counseling sessions for both parents and students before exams. She also recommended that parents have open talks with their children about stress and remind them that exam scores do not entirely define their abilities. She mentioned the need for a peaceful home atmosphere, proper sleep, healthy food, and simple relaxation methods like pranayama.
NCDC Master Trainer Baba Alexander spoke about the stress students face at all levels of education, including school, college, and professional courses. He noted that students often feel pressure from parents, teachers, and society regarding their grades. He observed that this pressure reduces the enjoyment of learning. He proposed reviewing examination systems and syllabus structures to lessen excessive stress and make education more enjoyable for students.
One of the NCDC core committee members pointed out that parents and teachers are crucial during exam periods. She suggested that parents ensure a comfortable study environment and proper sleep for students, while teachers should provide clear guidance and keep communication open with parents to support students effectively.
Another member emphasized the importance of revising the syllabus in advance to avoid cramming at the last minute. She encouraged parents to support their children, steer clear of late-night study pressure, and maintain a positive environment. She also stressed that marks should not be the sole factor in determining a child’s future and urged parents to avoid unnecessary questioning about exam performance once the test is over.
