PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
With a re-exam of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) just days away, aspirants are grappling with exam-related stress, prompting educators to emphasise the importance of planning, adequate rest and emotional support during the final phase of preparation.
Anxiety is common among students appearing for competitive examinations, particularly after months or more of intensive preparation. If left unmanaged, stress can affect concentration, memory and decision-making during the examination. Chief executive officer of an education trust Ashish Kumar Porwal said that students should focus not only on academics but also on preparing themselves mentally for the examination. He advised aspirants to attempt mock tests during the same hours as the actual examination to train their minds and bodies for peak performance. “If the examination is scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM, students should practise during the same time slot. This helps improve concentration, stamina and confidence,” he said. Porwal also stressed on the importance of maintaining a balanced routine. According to him, seven to eight hours of sleep, regular physical activity, meditation and breathing exercises can help students manage anxiety and remain focused. He added that spending time with family members and seeking guidance from teachers can provide valuable emotional support.
Teacher Anil Joshi said, “We identify stressed students through signs like anxiety, lack of focus and low confidence. During this phase, we motivate them through regular guidance and positive counselling. Short mental breaks, open communication and emotional support are equally important. Along with maintaining discipline in studies, we ensure students feel supported and confident as they approach the examination. Several educational institutions in the city have also been conducting counselling sessions and awareness programmes to help students deal with examination pressure,” he said.
NEET aspirant Unaiza Jamal said that physics remains the most challenging subject for her. “I want to complete the syllabus on time and solve enough questions to understand different patterns. Instead of worrying about the result, I am focusing on preparation,” she said, adding that support from her family and teachers has helped her stay motivated.
Another aspirant Atul Patel said that a certain level of stress before examinations is natural. “The pressure is there because expectations are high, but maintaining a proper study schedule, taking breaks and staying positive helps me stay focused,” he said.
