ICSE Board Exams 2025 are around the corner. In an exclusive interview, Damayanti Bhattacharya, Principal of Jasudben ML School, Mumbai, shared tips to prepare well for CISCE Board Exams, hacks to combat stress, student assistance by school, and more.
In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Damayanti Bhattacharya, Principal of Jasudben ML School, Mumbai, shared insights into how the institution is preparing for the upcoming ICSE Board Exams 2025 and ensuring a seamless and supportive environment for students. With the elections slated for February 2025, she emphasized the school’s commitment to maintaining smooth exam operations, implementing contingency plans, and closely coordinating with local authorities.
The school is focused on offering students not only academic support, such as mock exams and revision sessions, but also emotional well-being through counseling and mindfulness guidance. Bhattacharya also discussed how Jasudben ML School is aligning its curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP), offering skill-based education and career guidance to help students navigate their future. Additionally, she shared her valuable advice on combating exam stress, creating balanced study routines, and the importance of discipline in achieving high scores.
Q: With the upcoming elections, how does the school plan to ensure that the ICSE Board Exams 2025 are conducted smoothly and without disruption?
The school is fully committed to ensuring that the ICSE Board Exams 2025 are conducted without interruption, regardless of any external circumstances such as elections. For that- close coordination with the local authorities and ICSE Council is being done, to maintain a flexible yet structured approach to exam planning while adhering to all guidelines. Our primary goal is to provide students with a focused and calm environment where they can perform optimally without external distractions. For any kind of disruptions, we have contingency plans in place to deal with, including backup exam centers, alternative scheduling, and enhanced security measures.
Q: What specific measures is Jasudben ML School implementing to prepare students for the ICSE Board Exams 2025, ensuring they have a hassle-free experience?
We prioritize a comprehensive approach to board test preparation. Along with revisions, we organize mock exams and time management strategies sessions that help students to build confidence. Further, with teachers regular doubt-clearing sessions are conducted. Our trained counselors are accessible to support students stay balanced and focused for exams.
Q: Can you elaborate on the support systems in place at JML School to assist students academically and emotionally as they approach their board exams?
The school recognizes the importance of both academic and emotional support during high-pressure exam periods. Academically, students have access to personalized learning, revision workshops, and ample resources, ensuring they can clarify doubts and strengthen weak areas. Emotional support is equally prioritized. Our school counselors help students with stress management and mindfulness guidance to make sure students remain focused, resilient, and well-prepared for their board exams.
Q: How is JML School aligning its curriculum with the changes in the National Education Policy, particularly in terms of skill education and vocational training?
We are one of the few schools that have implemented NEP-20 in the curriculum. Right from early childhood education, we aim to provide holistic education to our students. On a regular basis, the school also collaborates with industry experts and organizes workshops and visits for real-world experiences. We also have culmination-based learning, skill-based education, and vocational training as part of the curriculum for young minds. This makes sure that students are prepared for life beyond the board exams with necessary skills.
Q: How significant are career fairs held before exams in shaping a student’s academic and career choices?
Career fairs, like the one held at Jasudben ML School, help with early career guidance which in turn shapes India’s future workforce. These fairs serve students as well as parents as a guide in an ever-changing landscape of education, more so after the coming of NEP-2020. It guides students preparing for board exams on how their current education can align with their future goals. With changing global trends, this helps students to understand how vast the landscape is and what they can explore. This also serves as a boost before an exam and guides them to work more efficiently on their boards.
Q: What strategies do you recommend for students to combat stress while preparing for board examinations?
Combating stress is key to effective exam preparation, and we advocate for a multi-faceted approach.
- Physical exercise and meditation are a must for mental clarity.
- Students should avoid burnout and have a balanced study schedule
- Include breaks while studying
- Time management and prioritization of topics
- Be in regular contact with family and friends to share any kind of concerns
Other than that, school counselors are always available for students along with teachers to talk and help with any kind of stress or issue that students may have.
Q: In your opinion, what type of daily routine should students follow to optimize their study time and enhance their preparation for ICSE board exams?
A relaxed regular routine can do wonders. Divide study sessions, take short breaks, go for a light walk or yoga to boost concentration, and do not drain yourself. There should be mock tests and revisions daily along with a healthy diet and sleep schedule to be exam-ready.
Q: What advice would you give to students aiming to score above 90 percent in their board exams? Are there particular study techniques or habits that you find effective?
It’s only hard work that a student can do and for that discipline and focus is the key. Practice past year’s papers, remember the key concepts by heart, and do not push yourself away from the limit as it can take away your energy. One can not learn all things in a night, so regularity is the key to success and time is the most valuable asset, keeping that in mind can boost your exam performance.
Q: How does the legacy of an institution contribute to a child’s overall development, and what significance does a long-standing foundation hold in shaping their educational journey?
Legacy plays a big role, we have been very fortunate that recently India Post also launched covers for our 44th year. It gives a student a wealth of knowledge, experience, guidance from time-tested methods, an alumni network, and hence a holistic way of education and life. It also reflects that an institute is well-standing on traditional values while having a contemporary approach that focuses not only on classroom education but well beyond that.
Q: How does the school engage with parents to ensure they can effectively support their children during the exam preparation phase?
A factor that plays the most important role in the education of a child is parent-school collaboration, especially during the high-pressure board exam season. We organize regular meetings with parents so that they are updated on the student’s progress. Regular workshops and personal sessions for parents to discuss concerns and seek advice are also conducted for seamless communication.
Q: Once the board exams are over, what kind of support does JML School offer to help students transition to the next phase of their education, whether it be higher studies or vocational training?
We reach out to the students well before the examinations start. For that, we have career and academic counseling in school for our students. They are guided by the counselor along with the parents. We also host a career fair every year with top universities, where the students are advised on the basis of their aptitude, abilities, and academic performance over the years as to what subjects they could opt for in college. he counselor also helps with the applications, choice of college, and scholarships. The NIOS students also are guided in the same way.
This article appeared in Shiksha online portal, on 11th November, 2024.
