New Delhi/Cuttack: How can one face exam with a cool mind when the situation inside the exam hall is quite scary? asked Rajalaxmi Achary, a student from Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya in Cuttack, during the seventh edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, an initiative started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss and overcome exam-related stress, at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Monday.
Responding to the query, the PM said: “Instead of focusing on others, try to focus on yourself. It will help you to concentrate on question paper, which will gradually lead to finding answers and ultimately bring positive results.”
Instead of focusing on others,try to focus on yourself. It will help you to concentrate on question paper, which will gradually lead to finding answers & ultimately bring positive results:PM @narendramodi while answering a question of Rajalaxmi from #Odisha#ParikshaPeCharcha2024 pic.twitter.com/Y1s01tnXAo
— PIB in Odisha (@PIBBhubaneswar) January 29, 2024
The Prime Minister also emphasised on the need to avoid mistakes due to over enthusiasm of the parents or over sincerity of the students. He asked the parents not to over-hype the exam day by purchasing new clothes, rituals or stationery. He also asked the students not to keep preparing until the last moment and approach exams with a relaxed mind. He also advised them to read the question paper and allocate time accordingly to avoid panic at the last moment.
PM Modi also reminded the students that most of the exams are still written and the habit of writing is declining due to computers and phones. He asked them to stay in the habit of writing. He asked them to devote 50 per cent of their reading/study time to writing. He said only when you write something you truly understand that. He asked them not to panic by the speed of the other students.
While suggesting students to compete with themselves and not others, he also advising parents against treating their child’s report card as their visiting card. “This programme is like an exam for me too. Pressure should not be so much that it affects one’s capabilities. We should not stretch to extreme levels, rather there should be a gradual development in any process,” he further said.
The PM also stressed that it is only with challenges that the students can emerge stronger. He also emphasised on reducing screen time not just during study hours but even otherwise. “One must understand how to leverage the positive fruits of the internet,” he said.
He further said that it is very important to recharge the body. “A healthy body is synonymous with a healthy mind. Sunlight is the easiest way to recharge your body. One must also remember to have a healthy sleep schedule. Most of us waste precious time by watching reels or surfing social media while lying down. A sound sleep is absolutely important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I ensure that I have a sound sleep regardless of my schedule for the day. Nutrition is another way of recharging the body. Students and parents must make it a point to ensure they have a nutritious diet. Having a heavy meal is not nutritious. Rather, they must have a balanced diet. Following this, students must also do some kind of exercise.”
He also stressed that conversations was essential in building a relationship of trust, which is essential for students to succeed. “It should be free-flowing at home and school. Students should feel they are heard and trusted as it boosts their confidence and induces a positive relationship,” he said.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present at the event.