Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner Darshan H. V. has announced that he, along with the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and the Superintendent of Police, will visit select schools in Dakshina Kannada district to instil confidence among SSLC students and help them overcome examination fear.
Addressing mediapersons, the DC said the visits are planned from next week. “The initiative is aimed at boosting students’ morale and sending a positive message to those appearing for the examinations,” he said.
Tele-MANAS support and new helpline
Darshan H.V. noted that Tele-MANAS is already offering free mental health support to students facing exam stress, anxiety and fear of failure. “By dialling 14416, students can avail immediate professional counselling regarding study pressure and parental expectations,” he added.
On similar lines, the district administration is set to launch a dedicated helpline shortly for SSLC and PU students. The helpline will register grievances from students, and subject experts and counsellors will speak to them the following day to help them cope with exam-related stress.
He explained that if students are facing other issues affecting their studies, including disturbances at home or in their surroundings, local authorities will step in to address them promptly. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that no student feels isolated or overwhelmed during the examination period.
Preparatory exams show improvement
The third preparatory examination for SSLC students will commence on February 23. The DC said the pass percentage in the first preparatory examination was 52 per cent, which increased to 68.24 per cent in the second preparatory examination.
“Not all students appeared for the first two preparatory exams. We will assess the results of the third preparatory exam and focus on weaker students. Teachers are already conducting special classes to ensure better performance in the final examinations,” he said.
He added that school authorities have been instructed to identify students who require additional academic support and provide targeted guidance.
SSLC examination arrangements
A total of 29,397 students in Dakshina Kannada district will appear for the SSLC examinations beginning March 18. Of them, 27,633 are regular students.
The district has 91 examination centres, and webcasting will be implemented to prevent malpractice. The DC said strict measures have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations. Necessary facilities, including CCTV surveillance and adequate invigilation, have been arranged at all centres.
He urged students not to believe in rumours related to the examinations and to approach the tests with confidence and a positive mindset.
II PU examination details
Darshan H.V. also shared details regarding the II PU examinations. A total of 37,337 students have registered for the examinations starting February 28, including 18,401 regular students.
The exams will be held at 59 centres across the district. Webcasting arrangements have been made, and 13 observers have been appointed to oversee the process. All centres are equipped with CCTV cameras to ensure transparency and prevent malpractice.
II PU students have already completed two preparatory examinations, with the pass percentage rising from 78 per cent in the first to 85 per cent in the second.
Focus on student well-being
The DC emphasised that the administration’s primary focus is not only on academic performance but also on students’ mental well-being. He reiterated that confidence-building measures, counselling support and responsive grievance redressal systems are crucial during the examination season.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari was also present during the media interaction.
With examinations fast approaching, the district administration has called upon parents, teachers and the community to extend full support to students and help create a stress-free environment conducive to learning and performance.