Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has launched a toll-free helpline - 1800 233 5500

Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has launched a toll-free helpline - 1800 233 5500 - for students of SSC and HSC science and general streams. They can seek answers to queries regarding exams and alleviate anxiety. They can also seek guidance on how to prepare for the exams and write better so they can score better.

Last year, the helpline received 8,075 calls from students between February 22 and March 15 - the entire period of the helpline operation. Of these, the maximum - 3,500 - calls were from HSC (science) students, 1,334 were from HSC (commerce) students and 3,241 from SSC students.


Interestingly, 1,200 calls each were received from students who were depressed by their own under-preparation and lack of confidence and also from students who were confident of their preparation but were seeking tips to study and write the exam better, to score higher.

"Of the students who confessed to being depressed, the major cause was anxiety about the exams. These students are bothered by their inability to concentrate and recall what they learnt. Such students ask for help on enhancing their memory and tackling anxiety and pressure from the parents and teachers about their performance in the exams," said a senior board official.

There were also a large number of students who were kicked about exam preparations and wanted guidance from counsellors on how to improve reading skills and exam writing which would give them an edge over others.

"The most anxiety is seen among brilliant students, who scored very high marks in the prelim exams. These students are under immense pressure, not only from parents and teachers, but also from themselves. They want to perform better. So they feel anxious," said an official.

Over 4,500 students called the helpline last year to ask subject-related questions, whether they should study from the guides or the textbooks, and if they should spend time on last-minute revision books.

In 2011, 9,000 calls were received which revealed that 70% of callers were students who wanted doubts regarding the paper style clarified, and tips on preparation for exams and how to score better. The remaining 30% complained of severe depression and anxiety.