According to research by the National Library of Medicine, 81.6% of students in Grades 10th and 12th reported examination-related anxiety, and approximately 32.6% exhibited symptoms of psychiatric issues.

As the board exam results pour in each year, so do waves of emotions, joy, relief and for some, disappointment. While marks remain a milestone in a student’s academic journey, a growing number of progressive schools are actively shifting the narrative: scores are not the final verdict on a child’s potential, Harish Sanduja, Director-Schools & IT, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, told the Financial Express Education.

“Our students consistently excel in board exams year on year. But when some feel dejected when their performance is not up to expectations, particularly in subjects that they are passionate about, we take it upon ourselves to help them,” Sanduja said.

This commitment translates into proactive psychological counseling, parent-student sessions and individualised career guidance. “We advise parents to support and not criticise and to look at the vast scope of academic and professional opportunities one can pursue nowadays. Our counselling cell is open to all communication, he added.

According to research by the National Library of Medicine, 81.6% of students in Grades 10th and 12th reported examination-related anxiety, and approximately 32.6% exhibited symptoms of psychiatric issues in India.

The emotional turbulence that follows disappointing results is real. And it needs to be addressed gently, not suppressed. “We often hold expectations by envisioning specific outcomes,” says Vaishali Thukral, Head – Guidance & Counselling at Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurugram.

“When these expectations go unmet—as can happen with exam results—it’s natural to experience disappointment, frustration, or self-doubt. Rather than resisting these emotions, acknowledging them without judgment helps lighten our own mood.”

She asserts that emotional honesty is the first step to healing. By taking small, manageable steps like prioritising rest, connecting with family and reflecting on one’s goals, students can rebuild their confidence and vision for the future.

This shift in outlook is now being championed across many forward-thinking schools, where well-being is placed on par with academic achievement.

“Board exam results are just one milestone in a student’s journey—not a measure of their worth or potential,” says Neena Kaul, Director and Principal of Heritage Xperiential Learning Schools. “We encourage adults—parents and educators—to offer reassurance, avoid comparisons, and focus on effort and emotional support rather than outcomes.”

As institutions begin to reframe how we view academic success, the message is clear: exams are a chapter, not the whole story. And with the right guidance, empathy and encouragement, every student can find a path that aligns with their unique strengths and aspirations.

Published on:– May 20, 2025
Link:- https://www.financialexpress.com/jobs-career/education-marks-are-not-the-only-indicator-of-successnbspprogressive-schools-rewrite-the-report-card-narrative-3848851/
Published by:- financialexpress