Dolcy D’Cruz
With the Goa SSC exam 2026 scheduled from March 13 to April 9, many households find themselves caught in a period of intense stress and anticipation. For families, it often feels as though everyone in the house is appearing for the exams alongside the student. Daily routines change as parents try to create a calm and distraction-free environment. Music and television are kept off, and conversations are often quieter than usual so that the child can focus on studying. At the same time, there is a strong sense of anticipation. Families and students alike are eager for the exams to begin and, eventually, to be over. With the ongoing changes in the education system under the National Education Policy (NEP), many parents say board examinations have become more stressful for students. Jessica Mascarenhas from Carmona, whose daughter is appearing for the exams this year says the pressure now feels greater compared to when her son wrote his boards two years ago. “The children are gaining knowledge through projects, but they are not simple ones. At the same time, the way questions are asked in exams is completely different now,” says Jessica, noting that students can no longer rely heavily on previous years’ question papers for preparation. Her daughter, a student of St Pius X High School, Orlim has opted for additional subjects including Information Technology and other skill based courses. As a result, she now has to appear for a total of ten papers in the board examination, with even the additional subjects being conducted at the exam centre rather than in school. Despite the pressure, her daughter has created her own study timetable and attends tuition only for mathematics. Living in Carmona, she will also need to travel about half an hour to reach her exam centre in Navelim each day, adding to the anxiety of exam season. Board examinations often bring a mix of pressure and anticipation for both students and their families. Maria Fernandes from Aldona shares that while her daughter, a student of St Thomas Girls’ High School, Aldona, is generally calm and independent in her studies, the board exams have still brought a certain level of stress at home. “She is a bit stressed because she wants to score good marks,” says Maria, adding that the pressure has been present throughout the academic year as students prepare for the boards. Despite this, her daughter has been managing her preparation steadily, focusing on revisions and studying late into the night, which she prefers over waking up early in the morning. As it is her elder daughter appearing for the board exams for the first time, it is a new experience for the family as well. Maria admits that she often feels more anxious than her daughter. “I am tenser than her. I keep praying that her exams go well,” she said. This year also introduced new subjects, which students have been studying since Class 9. With the exam centre located at St Thomas Boys High School, close to home, the family is relieved that travel will not add to the stress during the examination period. A nurse by profession, Ana Fernandes is trying her best to spend more time at home at this crucial moment. Her elder son, a student of Fr Agnel High School, Pilar, has been studying on his own but approaches Ana whenever he faces any problem. “The preliminary exams were a bit difficult for him as he had missed a few classes for his football practices. But in a way, it also made him understand where he was lacking and needed more revisions. He revised by solving last years papers which his cousin had answered. He prefers to stay awake at night studying instead of waking up early in the morning to study. He will be answering the exams in the same school which will make him comfortable too,” says Ana, who is currently living in Pilar.
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According to Donna Noronha, coordinator, COOJ Suicide Prevention Program, parents with children appearing for the Class 10 board examinations should focus on being a strong support system rather than adding to the pressure. “It is important to maintain a calm and relaxed environment at home so that students do not feel overwhelmed by stress. Instead of constant reminders to study, parents can encourage children to take regular breaks and spend some time outdoors, helping them maintain a healthy balance during the exam period. Parents should focus on appreciating the effort their children put in rather than concentrating only on results. It is important to reassure students that making mistakes is part of learning and that exams are not the end of the world. Having open conversations about failure and treating it as a possibility rather than a taboo can also help students cope better with pressure and develop a healthier perspective towards examinations,” informs Donna. While the pressure is undeniable, experts emphasise the importance of encouragement and reassurance at home. Students benefit most from supportive families who motivate rather than threaten or pressure them, reminding them that, ultimately, an exam is just one step in a much larger journey. If students or parents need to talk to mental health experts, there is a helpline available with COOJ Mental Health Foundation in English and Konkani that operates from Monday to Friday from 1 pm to 7 pm
